Malay symbolism in sculpture: a case study of the 'Lok' exhibition by Raja Shahriman

Symbols serve as a vital medium of human communication that transcend spoken language to convey complex cultural meanings. In contemporary Malaysian sculpture, research exploring the use of Malay symbols remains limited. This research examines the representation and interpretation of Malay symbols in Raja Shahriman’s Lok series, a collection of twenty-five sculptures that embodies philosophical and cultural values rooted in Malay heritage. Using a qualitative approach that includes iconographic analysis, field observation, and interviews, the research investigates how traditional symbols are reinterpreted within contemporary sculptural practice. The findings reveal that Raja Shahriman’s integration of Malay motifs associated with strength, spirituality, and identity reflects an evolving dialogue between tradition and modernity. This research contributes to a broader understanding of Malay aesthetics in contemporary art and emphasizes the importance of cultural symbols as a means to preserve and reinterpret national identity within Malaysia’s visual art context.