Unity in Harmony, Series 1 • Acrylic on canvas • 91.5 cm x 152.5 cm • 2021 • by artjamila
Interpretation:Malaysia is home to many different ethnicities such as Malay, Indian, Chinese, Kadazan, Iban, and more. In this painting, people from these ethnicities are dancing together as the Malaysian Jalur Gemilang flag waves proudly in the background. Huge red hibiscus flowers bloom on some parts of the flag to symbolise that Malaysians always house the potential to grow further as a nation. They are brought together in this painting with their different cultural dances. This represents the Malaysians’ ability to live harmoniously with each other despite their differences in culture. Each of us is unique, but we still accept each other for who we are and embrace our differences. We identify ourselves willingly as people of one nation who feel proud of the term “Merdeka”, further unifying us as one.
During these challenging times in the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to be more united and learn to embrace each other rather than to be shattered as the Merdeka celebration comes closer. We must always remember and uphold our Merdeka slogan, “Malaysia Prihatin” (Malaysia Cares).