Gharib

b. Malaysia, 1981

For Zul Fadzly, also known as Gharib, his artistic practice is invested in continuing vernacular and traditional building methods, bringing them forward to current times.

In his sculptures, Gharib reflects his desire to preserve salvaged timber and traditional joinery techniques, known as Tanggam in Malay. For Gharib, Bunga Tanggam is an act of part preservation and part memoir. The reclaimed timber window frames hold sentimental value from his childhood, as the Nyatoh hardwood material was salvaged from his father’s dilapidated shop lot from the 90s. The weathered timber is arranged in the style of ventilation panels, known as Lubang Angin, which was a common sight in Malay traditional houses. Through Bunga Tanggam, Gharib seeks to give new meaning and life to an age-old craft, while preserving these forgotten materials, transforming them into newfound objects.

Gharib was recently selected to be a part of the ‘Locals Only! 2024’ exhibition, which featured local Malaysian artists. Over the span of his career, Gharib has also done curated installations across Malaysia.