ANN/THE STAR – Award-winning sculptor Nizam Abdullah is constantly searching for reusable materials at junkyards or scrap metal shops in the Klang Valley. The 43-year-old sees potential in every discarded piece, envisioning new life for each one.
“Recycled art goes beyond just repurposing paper or waste for environmental benefits. It involves using objects from scrap metal shops to create unique artworks, transforming discarded items into pieces of artistic expression,” explained Nizam during an interview at his studio in Shah Alam, Selangor.
“Each recycled material is thoughtfully sourced, considering its distinct characteristics and potential impact on the creative process. The goal is to give a second life to scrap metal.”
Nizam, who gained entry into the 2022 Malaysia Book of Records for the Tallest Hanging Sculpture (150-metre-high, 2,000-kilogrammes in weight) in a Residential Building, advocates for a shift towards sustainability in the industry.
He emphasises the importance of the collective responsibility to the environment, striving to strike a balance between artistic expression and ecological consciousness.
“Sustainability is a crucial aspect of my artistic process. The motivation stems from a desire to contribute positively to the environment,” explained Nizam, who has collaborated with a hotel in Kuala Lumpur to transform salvaged materials into sculptures.
Nizam joins a few homegrown artists who are doing their part to minimise carbon footprint. In Klang, Selangor, there’s sculptor William Koong, who also uses discarded metal to create artwork. Up north in Penang, there’s installation artist Tan Lay Heong, who uses materials from reusable waste like used cardboard, plastic bags and fans for her projects.
Tucked in the industrial enclave of Kampung Subang in Shah Alam lies Nizamsculpture Studio, which Nizam founded 12 years ago. It is easy to miss the place as it is nestled inconspicuously beside furniture and welding shops. But stepping inside reveals a treasure trove of creativity.
EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY
At the entrance, large metal sculptures of ants and figurines greet visitors. There are also many commissioned works for private collectors, hinting at the calibre of Nizam’s craftsmanship.
Once inside, the studio comes alive with an array of stunning art pieces crafted from recycled materials. Orchid structures fashioned from recycled metal exude a delicate beauty, while whimsical metal fishes, crafted from washers, catch one’s eye. The barn door leading to his office is made out of recycled items like washers, steel netting and cast iron grilles, and assembled with artwork that resemble disc brakes.
In making his artwork, Nizam incorporates 60 per cent recycled metal alongside 40 per cent store-bought items. The recycled items also include old bolts, nails and steel discs. “At the junkyard, I select items that inspire a vision, bypassing typical scrap metal. First, I sketch my ideas, then gather materials from the junkyard and hardware store.
“I experiment with various materials. The challenge lies in finding items with impactful significance,” said Nizam, who clinched the 2022 Malaysia National Business Award for Arts and Lifestyle.
Metal is Nizam’s preferred material, valued for its durability, versatility and unique aesthetic. Incorporating industrial parts adds layers to the artistic value of his creations, narrating stories of repurposing and transformation.
“Sometimes we don’t see the beauty of things until we assemble them into a cohesive artwork. By breathing new life into discarded scraps, we can increase the value of ordinary objects,” said Nizam, who holds a Fine Art diploma from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya, Selangor.
His interest in sculpting began in childhood, fuelled by a curiosity for dismantling and reassembling toys.
This early fascination with materials eventually led him to pursue fine arts, where he majored in metal sculptures with a minor in painting.
“Sculpting became a career choice for me because I found joy in manipulating metal, expressing my creativity through three-dimensional forms,” said the father of six. Nizam has been working with metal for over 20 years. Besides bronze and stainless steel, he also works with fibre glass. Over the years, he has produced many Instagram-worthy sculptures in public spaces including Kinetic Sculpture at Educity, Iskandar Puteri in Johor, Seahorse Sculptures at Queensbay, Bayan Lepas in Penang, and Escofet Xurret at the River of Life in Kuala Lumpur. – Sheela Chandran
