"The Red DOT Forgiveness" Painting

I’m M. Samsudin, a self-taught contemporary artist based in Jakarta-Bogor, Indonesia. My practice explores the meeting point between Islamic spirituality, Arabic calligraphy, Japanese Shodo, and the quiet principles of Wabi-Sabi.
I describe my work as visual dhikr—a form of remembrance expressed not only through sacred words, but also through gesture, rhythm, restraint, and silence. Rather than presenting Arabic script as ornament or literal inscription, I approach each letter as a living form: a movement of the hand, a breath, and a moment of inner attention.
My paintings often begin with a single word, spiritual virtue, or Sufi idea. Through ink, watercolor, gesso, and experimental mark-making, I allow the image to develop between intention and chance. Bold brush gestures meet open space, imperfect textures, and restrained accents of color.
I am particularly drawn to humble, everyday materials, including repurposed brown packaging paper with a laminated reverse side. Transforming such a utilitarian surface into a contemplative artwork reflects my belief that spiritual meaning can emerge from simplicity, imperfection, and ordinary life.
Each work is created as a quiet invitation to pause, reflect, and remember. My aim is not simply to depict a word, but to give its presence a visual form.