It may just be artistic licence, as distraction, decoration or something symbolic, but a waterfall that is red is not something easily brushed off, even if it is done in Syed Fakaruddin’s unmistakeable landscape style that suggests a certain mock pointillism. Does the ‘red’ come from some kind of alluvial sediment or is indicative of a polluted topsoil, not biological but human contaminated more likely. But the open surface of the drop shows a reticulated vein of foundational roots, exaggerated to emphasize its strength and hold. A waterfall in red, probably the optimist tends to see it as a ‘Waterfall of Life’, as some may treat red as something of energy and passionate. The forest with its thick cover of plants, trees and leaves has its secret but is fragile and vulnerable not only to inclement weather but also the destructive qualities of Man. Syed Fakaruddin graduated with a BFA at UiTM Shah Alam in 2012, and Diploma at UiTM Lendu, Malacca, in 2010. He won a Consolation Award at the Nando’s Peri-fy Your Art Competition in 2012. He was represented in the Art Expo Malaysia 2014 and 2015, and also in Affordable Art Fair Singapore in 2015. His latest solo, Bumi Asing, is held at Segaris Art Centre, Kuala Lumpur, in April 2018.