Unique within Ismail Mat Hussin’s prolific oeuvre of artwork are paintings of skilled artisans depicted at work, as seen immersed in the moment of creation, in this case the art of weaving textiles. Details such as the female figures, traditional handloom machines, ornate fabrics, and refined use of colours celebrate the exquisite artistic heritage of East Coast Malaysia. Ismail draws attention to these forgotten legacies that were passed down from the previous generations, using a meticulous approach to attain a realistic and mesmerising composition. Ismail Mat Hussin was adept with watercolours which he learnt from school teacher Nik Mahmood from 1954 to 1955 and later Khalil Ibrahim although he is better known for his batiks. He was also a musician, with a Grade V music certificate in violin from the Royal School of Music (London) and worked part time as a musician at Radio Televisyen Malaysia Kota Bharu. He became a graphic designer cum illustrator for Syarikat Percetakan Dian in Kota Bharu, from 1979 to 1991. He was a member of the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia as well as the Persatuan Senilukis Kelantan (Peseni).