Mohd Fairuz bin Paisan, aka PoOi, is a sculptor who intertwines personal narrative with cultural commentary.
An early influence was his master craftsman grandfather, who built several structures typical of the Minangkabau people of Sumatra and, by doing so, helped lay the foundations for PoOi’s own fascination with issues of identity and heritage. These were articulated in his solo exhibition I Am PoOi, a series of wall-based sculptures fashioned from planks of wood salvaged from Minangkabau homes slated for destruction. Showcasing his technical prowess while offering viewers a window into his own reflections as a Muslim Malay male, each piece resonated with personal introspection and collective cultural experiences. More recently he’s mixed reclaimed wood with resin and autopaint to create visual juxtapositions that mirror the ways in which Malaysia reconciles heritage with progress.
a Circle – Yellow Is
Principled (2024)
PoOi has shown in several international fairs, including Art Busan 2022 in South Korea and the Bangkok Hotel Art Fair 2022. His works are celebrated for their depth, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of reflection and discovery, while critics and collectors have lauded his ability to convey complex ideas through his sculptures.
As his art continues to evolve, PoOi remains a compelling figure whose distinctive oeuvre offers deep insights into the Malaysian experience.
See our full coverage of Art Basel Hong Kong here.
(Header image: Mohd Fairuz Paisan (PoOi), Seeds – Turquoise Blue; A Balance of Emotions Fibreglass (2024))
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
