Alun-Alun Ke Marista (Path to Marista, 1996-2002) is a logical extension from Awang Damit’s Essence of Culture(EOC) series from 1985 to 1995. The works depict abstract forms based on raw man-made utensils, wild vegetation and surface marine life-forms - mostly drawn from memories of his childhood at Kuala Penyu, Sabah. Here, the triple boat shapes also double as symbolic appellations of the pohon hayat (tree of life), juxtaposed with fish and shield-patterned forms. The Marista works are more refined and elegiac from the rougher, coarser and even sharper edged EOC.