Kedungkandang (malangkota.go.id) – Being one of the victims of the legendary Malang Plasa mall that burned down on Tuesday (2/5/2023) did not dampen Muhammad Harun Syahbani's hopes. Although hundreds of his paintings were burned down, the 62-year-old painter continues to actively create his works on canvas.
He revealed that at least 300 of his works were burned, and this, Harun admitted, made him sad. To be able to create that many works, the painter who is identical with the abstract figurative printing style said it took 40 years.
"If you say it's sad, of course it's very sad. But as an artist I can't stop working, because only through my work can I be happy," explained Harun, Monday (15/5/2023).
Harun said that painting is a spiritual language expressing thoughts, feelings, contemplation of beautiful nature and orderly life. For that, by continuing to create, this man who also loves singing hopes to continue to show his existence in the world of art.
"Everything is in the power of Allah SWT, what happens is His will. The second of time belongs to Him, we can breathe, we can remember is His gift. For that bismillah, His pleasure," said Harun.
Although resigned to what happened to him, Harun said that as a human being he must continue to try to find a way out. Together with his friends, Harun said that he had found an alternative place to display his work, one of the options was in Kampung Kayutangan Heritage so that his work could be enjoyed by the community on a wide scale.
"It is not yet fully representative because the place is not yet permanent, but at least in Kayutangan we can display our works," said Harun.
With Kayutangan now being increasingly polished, Harun said that it can help many artists in Malang City to be able to work. Not only painters, but also music, dance and small businesses can develop along with the development of the tourism sector in Malang City. (cah/yon)
