By Tony Agbugba

Penang’s vibrant art scene is currently abuzz with the ongoing exhibition ‘Masa-Kita, Our Time’ at the Penang State Art Gallery, which runs from April 16 to July 22, 2024. This showcase brings together an array of 96 collections of artworks from artistic talents spanning across abstract, photography, painting, and drawing, providing a platform for both seasoned and emerging artists to explore the multifaceted concept of time. Among these artists is Suleiman Abdullahi Adewumi, a Nigerian-born, Malaysian-based academic and artist whose work brings a unique blend of cultural depth and personal narrative to the fore.

Suleiman’s contribution to the exhibition, titled ‘A Ride in Time’, stands out for its rich portrayal of Penang’s daily life. Through his adept use of oil colors on a meticulously prepared canvas, he captures the essence of the city’s iconic rickshaw riders and the vivid experiences of the tourists who flock to the bustling streets. This piece is not merely a depiction of scenes but a profound reflection on the contrasting aspects of human existence—the relentless pursuit of livelihood by the rickshaw riders and the quest for joy and adventure by the tourists.

In his depiction, Suleiman artfully presents the rickshaw riders as the unsung heroes of Penang’s tourism sector. Each brushstroke embodies their resilience and the promise of daily earnings, while the vibrant energy of the tourists highlights the richness of their experiences and the lasting memories they create. The interplay of these perspectives in A Ride in Time offers viewers a glimpse into the dynamic and interconnected lives within Penang.
Suleiman’s artistic journey extends beyond this exhibition.

His diverse body of work spans various forms, including figure drawing, still life, and portraiture. Notably, his abstract painting Dusk on Penang Hill achieved acclaim in 2022, securing third place in the Setia Spice Amari Hotel Art Contest among over 400 entries. This accolade led to an impressive live performance where Suleiman was commissioned to produce a massive abstract painting within six minutes during the hotel’s opening ceremony, captivating the audience with his quick yet intricate brushwork.

His involvement in the Penang art community is significant. Suleiman has participated in numerous group exhibitions and co-headlined a two-person show at the Muzium and Gallery Tuanku Fauziyah at Universiti Sains Malaysia. There, he exhibited alongside Pakistani artist Fatima Siddiqie, fostering a cross-cultural exchange that enriched the local art narrative.

Suleiman’s migration from Nigeria to Malaysia is more than a shift in geography; it represents a blending of rich cultural influences that deeply inform his artistic expression. His works bridge diverse worlds, offering profound insights that resonate on a personal and universal level.

The exhibition ‘Masa-Kita, Our Time’ is a testament to his ability to portray Penang’s landscapes and the vibrant life within them, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the passage of time.

As Masa-Kita, Our Time nears its conclusion, Suleiman’s work continues to leave an indelible mark. His knack for weaving narrative and emotion with technical excellence transforms his pieces into more than just visual art; they become commentaries on the human experience.

The Penang State Art Gallery’s celebration of his and other artists’ works ensures that these stories and visions will continue to inspire and engage audiences.

For those who have had the chance to view A Ride in Time, it is evident that Suleiman Abdullahi Adewumi is an artist who masterfully captures the fleeting essence of life. His contributions to this exhibition underscore his talent and celebrate the intricate tapestry of contemporary art.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Suleiman Abdullahi Adewumi holds a PhD in Human Resource Management and has published numerous academic articles in the field. His dual talents in academia and art highlight a remarkable ability to bridge the worlds of intellectual inquiry and creative expression, making his contributions to both fields profoundly impactful.