Aspects of Malay aesthetics in Syed Ahmad Jamal artworks / Nurkhazilah Idris

This research highlights aspects of Malay aesthetics found in Syed Ahmad Jamal artworks
whereby Zakaria Ali’s aesthetic theory were duly integrated with Edmund Feldman’s method
of art criticism in order to establish the standard of aesthetic qualities reflected in Syed Ahmad
Jamal’s artworks produced circa 1957 to 1982. This research is looking at the Malay aesthetics
which the beauty concept of art that Syed Ahmad Jamal was renowned with. It is hoped that
this research would reach out to the public and further provide a bridge linking the public’s
understanding with matters related to the visual arts, enlightening the Malay aesthetic principles
along with greater appreciation on Malay element of meanings behind an artist’s effort and thus
encourage public appreciation and understanding on the concept of beauty within the Malay
ideology context on visual arts. Findings from this research are hoped to assist further research
or study on the definitive elements of Malay heritage. The artworks produced by Syed Ahmad
Jamal possesses high analytical and intrinsic meanings that land-marked a significant
contribution to the Malaysian Art history. Syed Ahmad Jamal has single handedly through his
works intellectualize and articulated the Malaysian society in a different light and perspective
by empowering them with significant meanings found in his artworks.