In today’s world, when we speak about art, it goes beyond just putting pen to paper. The modern age of technology has taken art to a whole new different level, and it has begin to take over the art scene. Izzuddin Arudin, an advertising graduate from a local university took his concern and perspectives on current issues and turn them into humoristic vector illustrations for us to enjoy. We got the chance to do a “Borak-Borak Session” with the man himself and ask few questions about his artwork and his thoughts.
1. Okay first off, a brief introduction about yourself.
I’m Izzudin Arudin. 24 years old. I graduated from UiTM in the field of Advertising. Now I work as a freelance video editor & graphic designer. Basically, I do illustrations of current issues in reflection of my own personal opinion, may it be about politics or anything else that’s trending.
2. How did you get inspired to illustrate your artworks?
In terms of content, I always keep track of what’s happening via Twitter because I think it’s the fastest medium to acquire news online. Issues I pick out are mostly happening in the country and other trending topics.
Although in terms of visuals, I mostly refer to street artwork & advertisements. I like to refer to work with fewer words. In my opinion if the visual requires too much explanation, it’s weak.
3. Can you name us your early influences when it comes to illustrating?
Style-wise, I’m a fan of James Boast. But if you want to talk about content, I like satire work like Banksy. Within Malaysia, I refer to Zunar & Fahmi Reza. Actually I’m still in the process of finding my own personal sense and style.
4. How did you stumble upon the idea of illustrating current issues?
I think of this generation as a ‘visual generation’. I myself am lazy to read, I prefer to look at images. I also predict in 2/3 years time, Facebook and Twitter will be down the drain. Platforms that I think will still be relevant would be Instagram & other image sharing hubs.
From there I got the idea of creating illustration works with a short description of the current issue that I’m talking about. People will inevitably notice it and read, those who are curious to know more on the background story will be able to find it on the Internet. Whether they care or not, I’ve done my part to pass the word around on the current issues. I look at it from a POV of people who are too lazy to read, like me.
My artwork, ‘Mother’s Day’ was trending in Canada at one point and it got more than 25k Retweets. It didn’t only get viral on Twitter but also on 9gag, Hotpage & even Banksy shared my artwork on his Facebook Page. Starting from there I realized that what I’m doing is working and it goes beyond the boundaries of language. If people from around the world can relate to my work, how can locals not? So I continue to do what I do best up till’ today.
5. Have you ever thought that your artwork could change people’s perception towards current issues?
To be able to raise awareness of at least one issue that’s happening, I feel it is already a big success. When I first started, my intention was not to change people’s perception, I lean towards voicing out my own opinion through visuals. Because, if I write it out, who’s going to read it? I’m not Mahathir.
So far there are 2 or 3 artworks of mine that has provoked a debate by the public. There were also a few times where people didn’t agree with me and were upset by my work. But to see people discussing the issue itself, that’s already enough to make me happy.
6. Tell us the background of your ‘Mother’s Day’ that went viral.
Basically, I created it based on my observation of Mothers day on my Instagram feed. People wish their mothers who don’t even have Instagram accounts for the sake of likes. In my opinion, it’s just an attempt to showcase fake perfection. If we look at it from the context of human relationship, lots of people will disagree with me but It’s an addiction, to a point where even your relationship with God (zakat, terawikh, etc.) has become something to show to the public. Maybe some people don’t agree with me, but for me there are certain things in life that should remain exclusive and shouldn’t be shared online.
More illustrations by Izzuddin himself can be found on his Facebook, and Instagram.
