Harris Ribut’s subject matter can be analysed as a dichotomy. He illustrates voluptuous Malay women dressed in kebaya and sarong in the act of dancing – a seemingly innocent theme. But the modesty of the traditional attire — worn daily by elderly women in rural Malaysia — is sensualised through his depiction of rounded bosoms and derriere. Inspired by his mother, his creative approach is a celebration of maternal love and an appreciation for the beauty of plus size women. Harris Ribut began his creative journey as a street painter. He worked as a paste-up artist in publishing companies until he was appointed an art director. He also worked as a journalist and later sub-editor. He started painting professionally in the early Nineties. Harris Ribut works from a pavilion at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Centre, Jalan Conlay alongside his wife, whose style of painting is thematically similar but her subjects are of slender female figures. The centre started hosting residence artists at their artist colony as early as the 1980s. He has participated in numerous group shows. In February 2019, his work was displayed at the Painting From The Heart – Art For Good, a charity art exhibition held at Bangsar Shopping Centre’s concourse. Among his exhibitions included The Fat Lady & Elephantopedia at Gallery Hackman, Stockholm, Sweden (2005); Art For Heart at Galeri Petronas, Kuala Lumpur (2003); Citarasa at Bank Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (2000); and more.