The Witnesses / Shahar Koyok

Shahar a/l Koyok as known as Shaq Koyok is a contemporary artist of the indigenous Temuan tribe of Selangor. In his early year, land developer has encroached the jungle around his village and now it reflecting in his many works, that trauma in his childhood has fuelled his passion and led his to fight for his people land rights. He loves to explore many medium of art, from contemporary painting to installation art. “In a rapidly modernising Malaysian state, I’m always trying to capture the tension and pressure faced by my people, whose lives interact with and respect the natural environment. My work emphasizes the inequalities that exist between modern consumerism and traditional sustainable ways of life. My works is reflection of my people and the rainforest in which I grew up, and to show the importance of nature to the Orang Asal. The presentation of artwork also captures a contemporary view of the struggle faced by Malaysia’s indigenous people and the aims is to contribute to a deeper understanding of multiracial Malaysia.” My work emphasizes the inequalities that exist between modern consumerism and traditional sustainable ways of life. My works is reflection of my people and the rainforest in which I grew up, and to show the importance of nature to the Orang Asal.