SENI VISUAL: SYED AHMAD JAMAL

SYED AHMAD JAMAL, THE MALAYSIAN NATIONAL ART LAUREATE

Dato' Syed Ahmad Jamal was born in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor in 1929. He received his primary and secondary education in the Malay and English medium respectively in Johor Bharu. His higher education was gained abroad - Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955), Institute of Education, London University (1955-1956), School of Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and University of Hawaai, Honolulu (1973-1974). Dato Syed Ahmad Jamal, the Malaysian National Art Laureate, has won acclaim and prizes locally and internationally. He won 1st prize in the Johor Art exhibition (1950), Summer Competition - Chelsea School of Art London (1954), Federation Art Competition - Kuala Lumpur (1962), and the National Bank of Malaysia Mural Competition. Dato' Syed Ahmad Jamal has contributed greatly towards Malaysian Art - in his teachings, writing and role as art curator, his service as as board member and committee members of art related organistions, particularly that of the Malaysian National Art Gallery. For his vast contribution, Dato Syed Ahmad Jamal was awarded the National Art Award in 1995 by the Malaysian Government, which honours him as a National Artist.