A MESMERISING oil painting draws viewers into a world of misty intrigue, seen from the elevated perspective of Penang Hill.
Skilfully capturing a mysterious mood, esteemed architect-turned-artist Datuk Seri Rosli Jaafar presents a masterpiece that offers a captivating glimpse into the veiled charm of George Town. The use of soft, diffused light and a limited palette enhances the painting’s enigmatic ambience.
The composition is divided into two panels, creating a panoramic effect. On the left panel, dense mist shrouds the landscape, partially obscuring the distant cityscape and water body. The right panel continues this theme, with mist creating layers of depth that recede into the background.
The overall effect is ethereal, as the city and its surroundings are caught in a serene yet enigmatic state between visibility and obscurity.
This artwork, titled ‘Misty Penang’, is one of 45 paintings currently displayed at the Penang State Art Gallery, Dewan Sri Pinang. The paintings are available for purchase, with half of the proceeds benefitting Sekolah Sinar Harapan in Bukit Mertajam, a school for children with special needs.
“Every artwork tells a story. These paintings reflect my perspective, memories, and the familiar landscapes of Penang,” Rosli, 65, shared with Buletin Mutiara at the gallery.
“True to its tagline, ‘Penang offers everything’, the state is a vibrant playground for artists. With its stunning vistas of heritage enclaves, bustling cityscapes, charming countryside, rolling hills, and serene seas, Penang provides a rich and diverse canvas for creative expression.”
The self-taught artist hopes to inspire a passion for arts and culture through his work.
“We should take a moment to pause and appreciate the small, often overlooked details around us.
“Life is a continuous learning process. While we do not need to replicate the past, we can draw valuable lessons from it to improve our future,” Rosli said.
Rosli, a former general manager of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), added that he is content with his life and eager to give back to the community, especially those in need.
“I recently visited Sekolah Sinar Harapan, a school dedicated to children with special needs, and observed that the institution requires support.
“It provides education and assistance to children with various disabilities and developmental challenges. The school serves a diverse group of students from various racial backgrounds, reflecting the rich multicultural fabric of our society.
“By contributing to Sekolah Sinar Harapan, we can help ensure these special children receive the care, education, and opportunities they deserve, allowing them to reach their full potential,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rosli expressed a desire to explore abstract painting further.
“Unlike representational art, which depicts recognisable subjects or scenes from the real world, abstract painting focuses on conveying emotions, ideas, or concepts through colours, shapes, lines, and forms without necessarily representing anything specific.
“Interpreting abstract art is highly subjective, with no definitive right or wrong answers.
“I hope to delve deeper into this genre and incorporate elements of Penang into my exploration,” he added.
Rosli’s second solo exhibition, titled ‘Reminiscences of Penang: Unfiltered Charm’, is currently on display at the Penang State Art Gallery, Dewan Sri Pinang, and will run until Aug 25.
The gallery is open from Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and is closed on Fridays.
For more information, call 04-261 6466.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat and Christopher Tan