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Khairul Azmir Shoib, also affectionately known as Meme, graduated from UiTM with a Bachelor of Fine Art in 2000 and a Master of Fine Art and Technology in 2004. Known for whimsical works based on fiction, Meme often combines strange and otherworldly characters with text and his works are perfect examples of imaginations running wild. Rejecting the accepted visual norm for fine arts in Malaysia, Meme constantly strives to create “visual poetry” in his works through the language of fairy tales and children’s books.

Meme has participated in various solo and group exhibitions in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. Noteworthy exhibitions include his solo show ‘Post Gothic Dreams’ held at RA Fine Arts, Malaysia (2009), as well as other group exhibitions such as ‘Tanah Air’ at Rimbun Dahan, Malaysia (2009), ‘Candy Coated Cute Confusion’ at Artspace Launceston Tasmania, Australia (2009), ‘Tukar Ganti’ at Valentine Willie Fine Art, Malaysia (2009) and ‘Jejak’ at Galeri Nasional, Indonesia (2007). A recipient of the Juror’s Award from the Young Contemporary Art Award, National Art Gallery Malaysia (2000) and First Prize in a life drawing competition held by National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2005, Meme has been an active participant in the Malaysian art scene as a lecturer as well as an exciting fine artist of this time.

Silent Night is one of Meme’s earlier pieces that showcase his world of mystical creatures and enchanted forests, a part of his compilation of a series of artistic stories that he chronicles over the years onto paper and canvas. Usually depicting gloomy fantasy worlds with a feel of dark forces at play, Silent Night is different in that it portrays a seemingly peaceful woodland scene where magical creatures have gathered by the glow of a lamplight. Done in predominantly blue tones, it is mysterious yet calming, showing the artist’s vivid imagination and inspirations as well as his love for creating characters with their own particular costumes and accessories. Playful, fanciful and intriguing, Meme’s paintings reside in a place where childhood imaginative innocence is preserved, for the audience to revisit and be entranced.