Change Painting

Born in 1974 in the state of Pahang, Malaysia, in the quiet village of Lebu, Latif's early childhood was spent with his family in their bamboo house near a small river. Those early years invoked in him a great love of nature, particularly the Jungle and river where he spent so many happy hours with his family and friends. It was with the help of two of his sisters that he initially commenced to draw, and not surprisingly his first drawings reflected his love of the landscape that surrounded him. He started Primary school in 1981 studying at Skolah Menengah Kebangsaan, Lebu and then continued his education at Skolah Menengah Kebangsaan, Bentong. Although initially in the Science stream, his keen interest in art soon prompted him to transfer to the Art stream. He finished high school in 1991, but due to financial constraints, had to forgo further studies at university level. Then followed a somewhat chaotic period as he took a number of different jobs in order to gain funds for both himself and his family, finally settling in a job as a Display Artist Designer at a small shopping complex in Bentong. At that time, Latif recalls that he had no thoughts of becoming an artist, in fact he had no clear idea of which direction his career should take. It was his friends that eventually persuaded him to explore the possibility of moving to Kuala Lumpur with the greater opportunities that a large city provides. At first he was reluctant to take what was for him a huge step into the unknown. However, as he remarked, "God is kind" and he was fortunate to be offered the post of Resident Artist at one of the galleries in Kuala Lumpur. This was the stepping stone from which he never looked back. From that point on he started to learn, albeit informally, but with a great deal of enthusiasm, about the real work of artists and art forms. It was during this period whilst Latif was still employed part time at the gallery, that a number of visitors started to show interest in his work and he found that he was able to sell one of his paintings almost every month. In the meantime Latif was learning a great deal about the world of Art and additionally got to know a number of talented and famous Malaysian artists, including Khalil Ibrahim, Ismail Latif and Yusuf Ghani, who gave him encouragement and sound advice. Yet another artist who created an impression on him was Zaharuddin, whose advise Latif says he will never forget.