Aris A Yaacob: Biography.

Title: Sarkah in Arabic, medium: acrylic on canvas, size: 76x122cm, Courtesy of Jimmy Choo OBE Keith Mills (Aris A Yaacob's patron), Aris A Yaacob & Dato Dr Leo Michael Toyad (The Tourism Minister of Malaysia)

‘Aris A Yaacob, defying old puppetry with magic’
New Straits Times

In January 1996, Aris A Yaacob exhibited his first collection of paintings and prints at Putra World Trade Centre KL. His initial school of thought in art was influenced by the distinguished Malay-French educated artist, Monsieur Mansor Ibrahim. He studied with him for two years from 1994 -1996.

Then, he pursued a degree in Architecture at Manchester University and went to Central St. Martins in 1999. He was awarded MA in Scenography from Wimbledon School of Art in 2002. Three years later, he continues to read Doctor of Philosophy in Visual & Performing Arts at Royal Holloway University of London.

'The paints and drawings are sumptuous, evocative of other worlds, barely glimpsed realities, shadow realms’
Dr Matthew Cohen, RHUL

Aris A Yaacob, multi disciplinary trained artist, from painting to print-making and from puppetry to scenography, founded Doo-Lali Group five years ago with Rozmanshah Abdullah and Patrizia Adami Suter. The group has brought different ideologies and visual interpretations to puppetry, and has exhibited in different art festivals and exhibitions namely ‘Animated Object’ at The National Art Gallery Malaysia, ‘Simulacra’ at Penang Arts Festival, ‘Ledang’ at MAYA Gallery and ‘Simulacra’ at ASEASUK in England. Following the ASEASUK show, Aris A Yaacob’s ideology on visual and live art continues to grow and strengthen, commenting his reputation as one of the leading radical Malay-Anglophile Artist: adapting Wayang Kulit psyche in drawing, painting and live art, employing materials such as polythene sheet, mirror, perspex, pencil, acrylic and canvas in most of his creations.

'Aris A Yaacob latest exhibition in London, Sarkah, celebrates the Malay psyche and the artwork is visually arresting. Aris uses bold strokes and vibrant colours in his work'
Malaysiakini.com

He has gained International reputation in 2003 and received a great support from the world established organizations and individuals such as YTL, Bluequadrant Design, MHC Belgrave Square, KL Council and from the famous shoe designer Dato Jimmy Choo, OBE. His achievements in visual & live art have been recognized consistently: Aris was chosen as the youngest Programme Leader in Visual & Performing Arts at the private International University Limkokwing in 2003 and received a sponsorship from Bluequadrant Design to exhibit a solo show in Oct-Nov 2005, ‘Sarkah: Painting and Live Art’ at FarmiloFiumano Gallery in Mayfair, London.

Aris A Yaacob art works have been collected by YTL, Jimmy Choo OBE, The National Art Gallery Malaysia, KL Council, Putra World Trade Centre, MAYA Gallery, Wimbledon School of Art and individual such as Sara Shah and The Royal Family of Malaysia. Aris’s status has lead to careful selection of collaborations with established venues and brands. The most recent project includes ‘Unfolding’ with Zouk Club KL, Nolias Gallery London and MHC Belgrave Square.

'He is prolific and original artist: Aris A Yaacob is man portraying the puppet-shadows of spirits of mankind past and present' Elizabeth Ann-Colville, London, Art Critic

Contact the artist via e-mail ariscurator@yahoo.co.uk