Mato-Mata is on until Oct 23 at Galeri Puteh, KL Eco City
Options: Tahniah on a successful decade as one of Malaysia’s most sought-after artists. What have been some of the memorable highlights?
Kide Baharudin: Thank you, I really appreciate it. It probably has to be the collaboration I did with the Vans global team based in Los Angeles, California, in 2020. It paved the way for me to introduce the atmosphere of my hometown Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. To see my works printed on Vans merchandise, from shoes to shirts, pants, bags and hats, and sold in Vans stores all over the world, was unforgettable. In 2021, I was also given the opportunity by Nizam Rahmat to hold my very first solo exhibition in a gallery. I produced 30 works on canvas, all of which sold. One of the largest pieces — Sa-Hari di Pekan — was acquired by Dr Tan Loke Mun for his museum collection at Ur-Mu Kuala Lumpur. I must also mention that I participated for the first time in international exhibitions last year, in Indonesia and Australia. Galeri Puteh provided the opportunity to work with V&V Jakarta and 16 Albermarle Project Space in Sydney. It was fantastic showing my work abroad, sharing experiences and learning new things from foreign artists.
Tell us about your ongoing exhibition, Mato-Mata.
The title combines my Negeri Sembilan dialect with standard Malay, which my wife Ika Sharom speaks. The main artwork depicts a couple strolling with “wandering” eyes, observing life around them. It then became the name of the exhibition, with all 41 pieces based on what our eyes see. Mato-Mata is also our first collaborative work on a single canvas. Together, Ika and I painted the background. She then painted the female character while I did the male. The best part is that, despite our styles, strokes and energy being very different, we completed the work with love … and without any disagreements. Altogether, it was a very fun and playful experience.
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Some of the works feature names like Ponek Den, Kuek, Senegheh, Tipun Kunci Maso and Tungtang-Tungtang. Tell us about them.
The first means “I am tired” as it shows a street vendor with his hands full, carrying a child and striving to make a living. Kuek means “strong” as it shows a man with heavy bundles of fabric and other things to sell. Senengeh means “the real thing”. Tipun Kunci Maso is a colloquial way to say telephone, key and time in Malay. This piece depicts the shop’s businesses, which is selling phones, cutting keys and fixing clocks. Lastly, Tungtang-Tungtang is onomatopoeic, as it is about the lively atmosphere of a night market and the noisy clanging of a hot wok at a food stall.
What are some of your favourite Malay words or phrases?
In the Nogoghi dialect, there is a phrase which means to do as you please — men bughan yo. I really like using it in daily life. It suits my soul as I really love doing what I please, without others telling me what to do. Even if I fail or the end result isn’t what I had hoped for, I still prefer taking my chances and experimenting with things my way.
Which masakan Nogoghi do you enjoy most?
Any gulai masak lemak cili api dish prepared by my mother is a favourite, for sure. But if I had to pick one, it would be gulai cooked with ikan semilang salai, a type of smoked catfish curry. If you visit Kuala Pilah, my parents would be able to recommend several tasty village-style restaurants for authentic, delicious masakan Nogoghi.
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What are you working on next?
More exhibitions in November and December with Galeri Puteh. I also have a merchandise project in the pipeline with Ika. It is called KIDEIKA and we are creating new t-shirt designs to be ready by the year-end.
Who are some of the artists you admire?
There are so many but, again, if I had to pick just one, it would be Bob Dylan, whom I have admired since finishing school in 2007. My father introduced me to his music and I have been a big fan ever since. I remain deeply influenced by his music, style and stance as an artist. He seems, to me, someone who always stays true to himself.
Your go-to reads?
Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. I love his writing, which details people, everyday life and the American landscape. I read that he typed it on a typewriter with sheets of paper taped together, totalling 120ft long, to create a continuous narrative simultaneously. I find this extraordinary and inspiring, motivating me in my own creative process.
What are you listening to right now?
Cripple Crow by Devendra Banhart.
Which cities or destinations inspire you?
Malaysia is a very artistic place, which has inspired so much of my work and storytelling. There are still so many local tales I have yet to put on canvas.
This article first appeared on Oct 6, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
