Table of Contents
Unconventional Textures, Uncharted Horizons
| Unique Materials | Inspiration | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Scrap Wood | Watching his sister’s teacher drawing on the blackboard | A piece made entirely from torn paper, first place in a competition |
| Broken Furniture | Exploring abstract art more seriously | A turning point in his artistic compass |
| Sculptural Forms | Diving into the sea, swimming through his spirit | Unique and mentally and physically draining |
Pengiran Timbang bin Pengiran Haji Tuah, a 66-year-old renowned artist from Brunei, has a painting on the living room wall that never fails to catch the eye. This seascape, with its rippling grooves and sparkling crystals, not only catches the viewer’s attention but also invites them to run their fingers along the textured surface, feeling the oceanic essence of the piece. The textured surface resembles coral, making the painting feel more like a piece of ocean than paint on canvas. Pengiran Timbang acquired the painting in the early 1990s with his parents, which sparked his own curiosity about the piece and the soul behind the brush. Three decades later, Pengiran Timbang finally met the painter, and his love for art was rekindled. For Pengiran Timbang, art is not just something to be looked at – it must be felt. He believes that every piece of art should evoke a sense of curiosity in the viewer, inviting them to ask, “Why?” or “How?”
“I want people to ask, ‘Why?’ or ‘How?’ That curiosity is what keeps art alive.”
Pengiran Timbang’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and individuality. Born into a family that valued art, he began his journey as a child, peering through the window and watching his sister’s teacher drawing on the blackboard during art class. After school, he would try to draw whatever he remembered. As he progressed to secondary school, Pengiran Timbang began entering competitions, a tradition he still continues today. His early works, often constructed from discarded materials, stood out for their unorthodox style. However, he never let rejection extinguish his flame. In 1985, he was chosen to represent Brunei Darussalam at the ASEAN Youth Painting event, a turning point that redefined his artistic compass. He learned from a Master Painter and started to explore abstract art more seriously. Pengiran Timbang’s work has taken him on a journey across borders and cultures, from Thailand to Bangladesh, Japan to Oman. Despite the stark contrast between international and local recognition, he presses on through exhibitions, mentorship, and message-driven pieces that respect the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy. As a seasoned artist, Pengiran Timbang also sees himself as a mentor. Many aspiring artists have sought his guidance, and he teaches them because they are the future of the craft. “Art teaches you discipline,” Pengiran Timbang said. “But it also teaches you how to see the world differently. And that’s something worth sharing.”
“Art connects people globally. When your work is unique, it makes you stand out. Realism is beautiful, but for some, it has become too familiar.”
Pengiran Timbang’s advice for young artists is simple but heartfelt: “Keep drawing. Keep asking. Learn from your elders – not just about art, but the business behind it. Attend exhibitions. See where you stand. Grow constantly.”
The future of Brunei’s art market is uncertain, but Pengiran Timbang believes that it starts with making art accessible. “A degree isn’t enough – people look at your journey, your awards, your recognition. That’s what gives art its value. Start from the bottom and build upwards.” – Izah Azahari
The Painter’s Philosophy
- Art should be felt, not just looked at.
- Every piece of art should evoke curiosity in the viewer.
- Art is a form of freedom, not just self-expression.
- Art should be accessible and valued based on its journey, awards, and recognition.
Passing the Brush
Pengiran Timbang has a unique approach to teaching young artists. He believes that art is not just about technical skills but also about exploring the world differently and finding one’s own voice.
“I teach them because they are the future of this craft. They bring their work to me, and I guide them on how to create something unique and meaningful.”
Pengiran Timbang has also been invited to teach, notably spending three months as a resident artist in Japan during the 1990s, and later teaching Contemporary Art at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman for a month after retiring as a Chief Set Designer at Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB). “Art is not just something you do, it’s who you are,” Pengiran Timbang said. “When you create something unique, you connect with people on a deeper level.”
