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EXHIBITED
Smash - Warna, NN Gallery, Kuala Lumpur 2009

A UiTM graduate with a Diploma in Fine Art, Ali Bebit pursues his passion for creating objects influenced by his childhood imaginations. His interest lies in cartoon icons and electronic systems and he uses junk materials and collectible objects which are transformed into unique, interactive characters. His distinct interpretation of robots and spacemen encourages viewers to enjoy and revel in simple observation, delighting in characters that express notions of flight and mischief.

Ali’s work has been seen all around Malaysia as well as overseas where he exhibited in the ‘Alyonka Mail Art Project’ at Yoshkar-Ola Museum of Fine Arts in Russia; ‘1000 Artists Exhibition (1000 Artist a Palazzo)’ at the World Museum, Palazzo Arese Jacini, in Italy. Locally he participated in a number of shows at prominent galleries such as ‘Potret Merdeka’ at National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2006, ‘Fresh Faces 07’ at Pelita Hati Gallery of Art and ‘Young and New Part II’ at House of Matahati in 2008 to name a few. He has been recognised as a first-class artist since his student days where he was on the Dean’s list for four consecutive semesters, and later in his career won First Prize in life drawing from National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2006, and Honourable Mention in the 1st NBC Tokyo Screen Print Biennale in Tokyo, Japan. Ali Bebit is also a member of an art collective called Warna - a group of young emerging artists who are inspired by nature, the environment and other aspects of youth and popular culture.

Playing Series: Fun 1 is constructed using metal and an old television as a three dimensional interactive work. Rough, spiky and textured, Ali has used metal and electronics to great effect and this piece is particularly charming for it’s functional quality - it can be plugged in and used as a TV on its own. Re-appropriating the image of the character Elmo, Ali instills his own individual style to a much loved icon. With its gaping gap-toothed grin, little TV belly and irregular surface, this artwork by Ali is intriguing on top of being endearing, carrying the artist’s own perception and expression through the eccentric character.