‘Menjalara’ is a series that Ismadi Sallehudin is most associated with although he has moved on to others like Rimba, Catatan, and now, Barangan Larangan. Manjalara, an old Malay term which comes from ‘manja’ (love/doting) and ‘lara’ (symphony) is about a mother’s love, and the series was most prevalent during 1994-1998 despite the odd later recurrences. It is also reflected in Nature, especially since the Ulu Dong, Raub, abode that Ismadi is staying in is amidst vegetation, trees and a waterfall. The mother’s love is translated into a process of growing, relationships and tribulations through a play of colours and forms, using a multiplicity of techniques including splashing and scraping. “When I work, there is a meditation that brings a balance to my mind, a sense of peace and quiet focus,” said Ismadi, who is also a talented musician playing the saxophone and violin. Ismadi graduated from the Mara Institute of Technology (now UiTM) in 1994, and received his Master’s in Art and Design from the de Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1999. He had lectured at Universiti ITM (1994-97) and Kolej Bandar Utama (1995-97), He was the head of programme in Shahputra College, UiTM, in 2008, and deputy dean of the University College, Shahputra, Pahang, 2011 and dean of Faculty of Fine Art at the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara). He left teaching to concentrate on art full time in 2012. He is represented by Artisan Fine Art (Kuala Lumpur) and Ong Art Gallery (Penang).