Uitm Gesturz

Damai Syawal

Di setiap senyum yang terukir, di setiap tangan yang dihulur, semoga hadirnya Syawal membawa damai ke hati, setulus cahaya pagi yang menyinari harapan baru.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir & batin.

Moga Syawal ini menjadi ruang untuk kita kembali tenang, saling memaafkan, dan meraikan kasih yang mengikat kita sebagai keluarga, sahabat, dan umat.
Mari kita sambut Syawal dengan jiwa yang lapang, hati yang bersih, dan doa yang tidak pernah putus.

𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗬: 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗛𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛-𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗨𝗶𝗧𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗣𝗦𝗜

KUALA LUMPUR : The INTERFACE: Where Visual Meets Poetry Fine Art Exhibition was successfully staged at Level 3, GMBB, Kuala Lumpur, between 6 and 8 February 2026. This collaborative and notable event brought together academic artists from the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation (FiTA) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), alongside Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Significantly, the exhibition positions contemporary art practice not merely as creative expression, but as a deeply reflective, research-driven process, one shaped significantly by lived experience, memory, and cultural inquiry.

The core concept is to highlight an interface and a space of encounter where visual language meets poetic meaning, and where personal narratives intersect with collective memory. Utilising diverse media and approaches, the participating artists, namely Andrialis Abdul Rahman, Li Jialin, Fishah Azmi, and Hafizah Rosli, explore how art functions as a bridge between inner reflection and shared cultural experience.

Fishah Azmi’s “The Silent Thread” offers a quiet yet profound meditation on spirituality and self-reflection. Using visual metaphors of searching and stillness, the work frames silence as a form of clarity, inviting viewers into a contemplative dialogue between the self and the Divine.

In “Journey Through the Heritage of Traditional Kuih”, Hafizah Rosli transforms traditional Malay kuih into carriers of memory, identity, and communal values. Designed as an interactive, board-game-inspired journey, the work guides audiences from Warisan Desa (Village Heritage) to Hidangan Tamu (Ceremonial Feast), emphasising heritage as something learned, shared, and sustained across generations.

Andrialis Abdul Rahman’s “Flickers of the Inner Self” reflects on childhood memories through video auto-portraiture displayed on CRT televisions. The flickering images and outdated technology echo the instability of remembrance, while the low viewing position encourages an intimate, almost bodily engagement with memory as something fragmented and time-bound.

Li Jialin’s “Palettes of the Past” comprises sixteen works that read as a visual diary of emotional transition during and after the global pandemic (2020–2023). Rendered in a realistic visual language, the series traces themes of loss, isolation, resilience, and renewal through subtle shifts in colour, form, and mood.

Together, INTERFACE: Where Visual Meets Poetry highlights how research-based artistic practice within academic and doctoral contexts can generate deeply personal yet widely resonant narratives. The exhibition stands as a testament to the value of collaboration between UiTM and UPSI, fostering dialogue, reflection, and contemporary visual discourse beyond institutional boundaries. ~gesturz

Photos by : Aedie

𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘

SHAH ALAM - The Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation (FiTA) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) recently hosted Animation Kingdom International (AKI) 2026, a dynamic event established to present student creativity to the public and the wider industry. Staged from 6–8 February at the Ruang Eksperimental, Puncak Perdana Campus, the showcase imparted a professional polish to the university’s creative output.

While the programme serves as a celebration of the commitment of final-year diploma and bachelor’s degree students, it also aims to ignite a vital spark for the ‘New Animation’ movement. This initiative is designed to foster a fresh wave of digital storytelling, exploring innovative techniques and contemporary narratives.

By formally inviting industry professionals and the local community to engage with the student work, AKI 2026 successfully bridged the gap between academic study and the professional world. Crucially, it provided a platform for these emerging creators to road-test their ideas in a real market environment, thereby helping to ensure the future of Malaysian animation remains both culturally resonant and technically world-class.

The 2026 event also featured a compelling series of masterclasses and talks by industry experts. Proceedings commenced with Dieky Suprayogi from Dipadira Studios (Indonesia), who led an open discussion on cultural identity in animation titled, ‘Animating Identity: Local Culture in Indonesia’s Animation Industry.’ This was followed by Zulkifly Amiruddin from The Zingy TV (Malaysia), who shared practical insights into content ownership and digital distribution in his talk, ‘Show It, Stream It, Own It: The Zingy TV Way for Young Animators.’

Furthermore, Raja Nukman Raja Nordin from Monsta (Malaysia) presented ‘Behind the Scenes: Papa Zola – The Movie.’ This session offered an insider’s view into the creative processes of a major Malaysian film and provided perspectives on the crucial connections between curriculum, industry expectations, and graduate readiness. Meanwhile, dedicated review sessions were conducted by industry panellist Tengku Zainal Tengku Mamat from PlayStation Studios (USA). The AKI Diploma Showcase notably featured further key speakers from international and local industry, academia, and alumni networks, including Adnin Isa, Edi Hezri Hairi, and Muhammad Zulfikar Zaipul Anwar, collectively reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning and professional adaptability within the sector.

Bottom line, AKI 2026 was a huge hit, making it the must-see event for showcasing the creative works by talented UiTM graduating young animators who are ready to make Malaysia proud of its animation content and really go global. ~gesturz

Photos by : Aedie

THE ART GALLERY THAT BLENDS ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE WITH COMMERCIAL VIBES

UiTM GESTURZ continues to strengthen its role as a living lab for artistic discovery, driving sustainable creativity through its Edu Tourism programme. In its recent event calendar, the art gallery welcomed a spirited group of students and teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Binjai, Meru Klang on 26 November 2025. The visit offered the young learners a meaningful opportunity to explore the world of art, creativity, and cultural expression within a gallery space that carries both academic and commercial vibes.

In Malaysia, malls and shopping‑entertainment complexes have long been central to social life. Many people routinely spend their leisure time especially on weekends in shopping centres that offer comfort, social interaction, entertainment, and a change of environment. The popularity of malls reflects a desire for spaces that combine convenience, cultural exposure, and social engagement under one roof.

UiTM GESTURZ taps into this preference by offering a welcoming art‑gallery environment that mirrors the vibrancy and accessibility of commercial spaces. By blending academic rigour with exhibitions of works by university students and alumni, providing curatorial walkthroughs and guided interpretation, and featuring the relaxed, inviting ambience often associated with malls, UiTM GESTURZ becomes more than a traditional gallery. It is a destination for edu‑tourism that appeals to students, teachers, and school groups who might otherwise find a conventional gallery intimidating or unfamiliar.

The combination of academic credibility and a socially engaging atmosphere makes UiTM GESTURZ an ideal destination for schools seeking to enrich their students’ learning beyond the classroom. ~gesturz

STRENGTHENING CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS: UDN INDONESIA VISITS UiTM GESTURZ

SHAH ALAM, 9 December 2025 – UiTM GESTURZ warmly welcomed the delegation from Universitas Darunnajah (UDN), Indonesia, as part of the International Academic Synergy Collaboration and Cross-Cultural Exchange, coordinated by the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UiTM.

During the visit, Puan Siti Soleha Salamun, Senior Assistant Graphic Designer, guided the guests through the ongoing exhibitions and introduced them to UiTM GESTURZ’s latest innovation, artworks enhanced with Augmented Reality (AR) powered by AI technology. This technology brings each piece to life through dynamic, interactive content, allowing visitors to experience the gallery in a more engaging and immersive way.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the UDN delegation for choosing UiTM GESTURZ as part of their edutourism journey on campus. Their visit enriched our space with meaningful conversations and cultural exchange, and we look forward to future opportunities to learn and collaborate. ~gesturz

UiTM GESTURZ - A LIVING LAB FOR CREATIVE DISCOVERY

SHAH ALAM, 10 December 2025 — Galeri Seni Tuanku Nur Zahirah (GESTURZ), UiTM Shah Alam, came alive today with an experiential learning initiative that positioned the art gallery as a living laboratory for creative discovery. The programme brought together industry expertise, curatorial knowledge, and hands-on engagement, offering students an immersive pathway into real-world creative practice.

The initiative, grounded in the principles of Curate, Communicate, Connect, and Care, aims to cultivate responsible, thoughtful, and professional creative practitioners. Through this 4Cs framework, students learned to curate with intention, communicate effectively through visual and written narratives, build meaningful connections with diverse audiences, and uphold ethical and cultural responsibilities in managing artistic assets.

The morning commenced with the Industry Session, delivered by Ms Farah Hernani Mohd Rafie, an alumna of UiTM’s Photography programme and Director of The Loft Studio. Her session, ‘Photography as Business’, provided invaluable insights into creative entrepreneurship, professional practice, and the relevance of visual arts within today’s industry landscape. Students gained a clearer understanding of the opportunities and demands that define the creative sector.

This was followed by the Curatorial Session led by Mr Mel Rasidi, Deputy Registrar, who is currently exercising the functions of the Director of UiTM GESTURZ. His topic, ‘When life gives you lemons, make art’, invited students to explore curatorial strategies, gallery operations, and the art of storytelling in exhibition design. It emphasised the importance of creativity, adaptability, and narrative intention in shaping compelling gallery experiences.

The programme gathered students from the Department of Photography and Creative Imaging, UiTM Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus. They participated in exhibition-related activities, industry dialogues, and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to bridge academia, industry, and creative practice.

A collaborative effort between UiTM GESTURZ, the Photomedia Creative Programme of UiTM Perak Branch, and The Loft Studio, the initiative demonstrated how impactful learning becomes when expertise from across sectors converges.

The day concluded with renewed enthusiasm among students. They were energised by new insights, strengthened connections, and a deeper appreciation for the role of galleries as dynamic spaces for learning and creative growth.~gesturz

FROM CANVAS TO CONNECTION,
WE TURNED CREATIVITY INTO GOLD!

UiTM GESTURZ proudly celebrates winning the GOLD Award at the IIDEX 2025 (Invention, Innovation and Design Exposition), held from 28–30 October 2025 at DATC, UiTM Shah Alam.

Our project, “From Canvas to Connection: How Augmented Reality Transforms Art into Living Experiences,” reflects UiTM GESTURZ’s commitment to advancing innovation and fostering impactful ideas that connect art, science, and society.
IIDEX is an annual exhibition and competition organised by the Department of Research & Innovation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). It serves as a platform to promote commercialisation, strengthen the culture of creativity, science, and innovation, and connect creators with industry professionals and investors.