Then, ready or not, growing up came along and we fall thumping down to the ground. We lose our innocence and learn – most times the harsh way – that life could take a different unexpected turn, one that is not as rosy as we thought it to be. As we travel on day after day, we dream a lot less and for the few that we do, we also have ten arrows of dejection shooting it down.

Before long we find ourselves jaded and tired from trying too hard in life. We find our world to be suffocating, society to be narrow minded, and the conventional thinking to be smothering. Yet, we still crave to fit in. A chicken and egg situation, really.

For an artist, market acceptance of his works doesn’t only raise his commercial value but more importantly, is an indicator and recognition towards his talent and skills. Fair and well, but the dilemma arises when satisfying the market is not at the same time self-fulfilling for the artist. For he dreams vividly, communicates profoundly through visuals, but these could be easily diluted with heavy thoughts on how well will his work be accepted by others instead.

Suhaidi Razi made a conscious decision to put considerations on earnings and popularity aside, and channeled his focus and energy instead to translate his thoughts and feelings into drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations of art. Where ideas link and thinking flow without restrictions, the elevated installations are vast storyboards across various medium. This is what happens when one is unconstrained by any one particular thought in any one particular space. As a result, Dream Pipes challenged Suhaidi Razi and put his personal limits to the test. Consistent to his previous shows, the works here are his personal reflections of awe towards our existence; towards the mysteries of the world; and the progress the humanity has made to today.

Perhaps, for all of us too, the quest is to let go once in a while. Relive the freedom of mind and unrestrictive outlook towards life we all once possess, back when we were most authentic. Only this time, to do so with wisdom tagging along.

GALERI CHANDAN

Suhaidi Razi