KUTAI SERIES... History and Expression

Word kutai was derived from Perak Malay word which means 'old'. Kutai series was produced using the kutai house as inspiration of subject matter. Kutai house is a Perak Heritage Malay House which is still existing quite long time in state of Perak about more than 150 years old. The uniqueness all of these houses because of it have never been used any nail during the house building. There is a house that only built using woods from the one whole big tree which selected from a forest by traditional carpenter. There are several interesting the house structure such as lebah tergantung (hanging bee), tingkap jengok (peep window), and ornamental decorative which are never have by others Malay traditional houses.

Nowadays, these house are slowly become extinction. People are now looking for modern houses. Thus, most of people in Malaysia nowadays are did not realize the existing of these traditional houses in Perak state. But the state government has do preserving some of the houses and built the Perak heritage village to save these traditional houses for reference of future generation.

The houses’ joints and woods structure were completely spectacular me as a young generation. Perhaps, the woods strength and the carpenter capability to build this kutai house give main distinctiveness here. Wood texture is the strongest surface which is influence in my series. Clay durability after firing also gives a philosophy as much close to this heritage house which is older more than 150 years. I'm observed one of this houses before and has been found that the house is still strong with joints structure all over the house. The joints and the faded of old color also inspired me in these series.

Kutai series are ceramic works which has been used as a platform to introduce this heritage to public. Several works are completely done inspired by using some specific house structure and Malay spiritual as an idea. The idea that house was made by using one whole big tree inspired me also to create works with fully wood textured. The enigmatic of Malay feeling are included in some of these series.

Kutai series are to express the house heritage value using my interpretation and also to introduce kutai house to public which have enormous aesthetic and Malay traditional spiritual value.