In Unprecedented Order, Faizal presents works created in response to the pandemic in tandem with his underlying pursuit of understanding life; both as beautiful and harsh. In an attempt to reflect the uncertainty of today’s world, Faizal begins his visually arresting paintings by instinctively crumpling the canvas to form valleys of unexpected shapes. Invoking a sense of personal nostalgia and reverie, he adopts the technique of automotive painting, a skill he acquired while working in an automobile workshop during his time in university to make ends meet. The works exude a sense of structure within an unpredictable artistic process.
This exhibition stands also as a marker in Faizal’s practice as he transitions from paintings to sculptures – furthering his enquiry into finding that space between structure and turmoil. Though the sculptures accentuate contrast to his paintings, the artistic entry point for him remains steadfast and true.
The works come together as a reminder of humans’ need for structure and order and also nature’s unpredictability. To rise above the unexpected circumstances placed on us is what gives life purpose.
