WHEN people see Doraemon or similar characters, they can immediately recognise them.
Thirty-nine-year-old cartoonist Mohd Azmi Mohd Hussin is ambitious to create art that reaches such a level of recognition.
“I hope that my character ‘Joe G’ can deeply connect with the readers, have a lasting presence, and be easily identifiable and beloved,” the artist from Bagan told Buletin Mutiara today.
Mohd Azmi, who has been in the art industry for more than 10 years, is also skilled in creating caricatures and murals.
Over the years, he has garnered three Malaysia Book of Records (MBR), namely for The Most Number of Live Caricatures in 24 Hours (2017), for The Longest Coffee Painting in Malaysia (2019), and for The Longest Single Comic Strip produced in Malaysia (2021).
‘The Most Number of Live Caricatures in 24 hours’ and ‘The Longest Coffee Painting’ also made their way into the Asia Book of Records.
Mohd Azmi said his next target would be to achieve a world record.
“One of my dreams is to achieve a world record, and I hope that it will be next year when I reach 40.
“With that, it will mean that I have one world record, two Asia records and three national records,” he added.
Elaborating on his dreams, Mohd Azmi said he aimed at setting up a permanent gallery in George Town to showcase his masterpieces and to grow the art industry in Penang.
“George Town is known for its art, besides its food scene. Hence, it is my dream to have a permanent gallery in George Town. Currently, I have a studio in Bandar Baru Air Itam,” he said.
Mohd Azmi said he decided to diversify his interests and was currently working on his new passion – producing colouring books.
“I am diversifying my interests after successfully producing five comic books.
“My first colouring book, entitled ‘Warna-Warni George Town’, was produced this year. It features iconic buildings of our beloved George Town.
“I look forward to producing my second colouring book under the ‘Warna-Warni’ series next year (2024 I am considering the Penang Ferry as the possible subject for my second colouring book in the ‘Warna-Warni’ series next year (2024).
“Colouring is a therapeutic activity that transcends age boundaries. My 74-year-old mother is also taking up colouring.
“It can be a highly effective way to relax, de-stress, and engage in mindfulness. One common misconception about colouring is that it is exclusively for children,” Mohd Azmi said.
He added that next year would be exciting for him.
“Tentatively, I will be having my first solo exhibition at the Hin Bus Depot from Aug 31 to Sept 16, and it will be curated by Ivan Gabriel.”
Mohd Azmi and his wife Marjanah Shammoon Rali are blessed with two sons, aged 15 and 13; and a daughter aged nine.
“All our children are interested in art, and I let them grow their passion at their own pace,” he said.
To learn more about Mohd Azmi and his works, visit his official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MeSketch
Story by Christopher Tan and Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Law Suun Ting