Visual Arts in the Context Of Post COVID-19 in Malaysia: Interpretation of Symbols for selected Artworks “Transit 1X1: Online Exhibition”

Abstract

Painting can be used as a communication medium to explain an event or to express the meaning by visual art using a storytelling framework that involves ideas, style, and meaning. Painting is an art form that allows the artist to capture their thoughts and feelings through visual images that are then transformed into works of art. Along with this ability, the artist is also able to convey their feelings through their paintings. The study conducted by the researcher came to conclusion that the Covid-19 event that took place at that time influenced society. The study also found that artists were influenced by the event, particularly regarding the progression of life in the areas of social life, culture, economy, politics, psychology, technology, and communication. Artists started producing works that reflected their own experiences or viewpoints that revolved around the events that took place during the Covid-19 pandemic because of the ramifications of the events that took happened. This artwork is a selection from the exhibition Transit 1x1: Online Exhibition. The purpose of this study is to analyze and understand the form and meaning of the symbols used in the works of painting by Husin Othman, Shafiq Nordin, and Aimi Atikah Roslan in the post Covid-19 context in Malaysia. These paintings were created by Husin Othman, Shafiq Nordin, and Aimi Atikah Roslan. This study makes use of qualitative research methods, such as observation, documentation, and interviews with artists. These approaches are employed in the collecting of data for this study. As a result of the analysis of this study, the researcher found that the symbols used by each of these artists clearly show the use of self-expression against the phenomenon that occurred during the Covid-19 event. This was found to be the case because the symbols clearly show how the artists were reacting against the phenomenon. In conclusion, the works that this painter has produced use a variety of symbols as a medium of expression to convey the message that is intended to be conveyed through the artwork.