HARTA presents MERAMU HAYAT, a solo exhibition by Malaysian artist, Abu Bakar Idris. Curated by Dato’ Dr. U-Wei bin HajiSaari, with a guest writer, Professor Madya Suzlee Ibrahim, the exhibition offers a thoughtful exploration of cultural knowledge, healing traditions and humanity’s connection with the natural world. 

In this exhibition Abu Bakar Idris reflects on the relationship between humanity, nature and the Creator. Drawing from personal experience and a deep interest in herbal plants, traditional medicine, and healing practices within Malay society.

Herbs, spices, and flowers appear throughout the works not merely as elements of nature but as symbols of cultural memory, healing, and spiritual reflection. Inspired by observation, research, and shared experiences surrounding health and traditional ways of life, the series explores the enduring significance of this inherited wisdom. 

While his earlier works were more inclined towards a realist approach, characterised by the use of darker colour palettes and content closely associated with Islamic themes, his more recent works reveal a significant shift towards a semi-abstract visual language that is more open, dynamic, and experimental.