Between Worlds @ G13
G13 Gallery presents Shafiq Nordin and Nik Shazmie’s witty and whimsical renditions of iconic cartoon characters as applied to visual arts in “Between Worlds”, a two-person exhibition running from the 30th of September to the 14th of October 2023.
Technically, the works by both artists are as shiny, bold and eye-catching as one would expect given the content. They’re also meticulously crafted and expertly composed, with several diverse storylines woven into each painting.
Like photography, digital imaging, video, the first pop art phase, and performance arts before them, cartoon-like characters have struggled to gain acceptance in the rarified air of many high art markets, with marginalising terms such as being nothing but gaming backdrops, comic arts or children’s illustration commonly cited as reasons for snubbing this type of content despite its popularity with younger artists and collectors.
On closer examination, there is far more to these works than the colours, catchy costumes and memorable motifs.
Nick Shazmie
Shafiq Nordin
Cartoon characters often evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding viewers of their childhood or a particular era. They are deeply ingrained in popular culture and can serve as a bridge between generations or as a commentary on how culture has evolved over time. They share simple, easily recognisable forms, and this simplicity makes them universally understandable as they transcend language and cultural barriers. They can also be used to convey complex adult ideas in a straightforward, less intimidating manner.
Highly stylised characters can be employed to satirise various aspects of society, politics, and human behaviour. Artists like Nik and Shafiq use them to make pointed critiques or humorous observations about everything from home and lifestyle to real-world issues. Using characters as opposed to realistic figures breaks down difficult subjects and makes them more approachable. Indeed, a wide range of emotions can be conveyed through exaggerated forms, facial expressions or body language, all of which at under total control of the artist and need not conform to reality at any point. Therefore they become powerful tools to explore feelings, moods, and psychological states.
Nik Shazmie
Nik Shazmie
Nik’s characters often express symbolic meaning and are used as allegorical figures to represent concepts, virtues and vices or archetypes. From innocence and optimism to chaos and anarchy, there are recognisable characters that historically represent each of them. When used unexpectedly in fine arts, they can subvert, deflect, or deconstruct traditional narratives and expectations. They may depict beloved characters in unexpected or ambiguous scenarios, thereby challenging the viewer's preconceptions. Shafiq takes a lighter, more humorous approach while reflecting certain life changes through which he is currently passing with his new family.
Shafiq Nordin
Shafiq Nordin
Cartoonish characters in visual art are versatile and multifaceted. Their representative role is boundless, and their significance largely depends on the context in which they are used combined with the the artist's intent, making them a rich and expressive tool in the world of visual storytelling and communication. Be sure to visit G13 for Shafiq Nordin and Nik Shazmie’s Between Worlds to see how two artists approach similar content resulting in unique outcomes.
For more information, please contact the gallery directly.
All Artworks © Shafiq Nordin and Nik Shazmie, Images: Courtesy of G13 Gallery