Contextual Studies

Contextual Studies - Group Assessment (Ajim Juxta)

Wafaa' Najihah Binti Mohd. Halim

0319770

Brief Profile

Raja Azeem Idzham or better known as Ajim Juxta is a self-taught local artist from Perak, Malaysia. He is an architecture graduate from a local university, UiTM. His interest in art has started since he was a kid. Most of the artworks that he has done are derived from the word "dystopia". Frogs and other nature elements are most of his favourite components in his pieces. Other than paintings and illustrations, Ajim still has skills in architecture and animation too. Now, he owns a gallery named Titik Merah Gallery located in Publika which he exhibits his own paintings and his partner's. 

The Progression

After talking to Mr. Charles about our plans, he gave us a suggestion where we can actually interview not just one designer, but more than that. So, we decided to contact the five chosen artists that all of us have blogged about. First, we contacted Ajim Juxta through Serra's mobile phone number. Luckily, he replied us back and agreed to be interviewed. 

On 16th November 2014, we went to Publika, Kuala Lumpur to interview Ajim Juxta at his very own gallery, Titik Merah Gallery. We were quite nervous because it was our first time interviewing someone. We stepped into his gallery with butterflies in our stomachs. Before we start off with the interview session, we had a little chit chat with Ajim. Due to his warm welcome and kindness, we felt comfortable during the interview. Imani, Serra and I were in charge to be the interviewers on that day while Shu Ling and Yanlin were in charge as camera crew. The interview was not as what we  expected it to be because we faced some minor problems such as not having a proper microphone and tripods. When we came home, we realised that the audio was awful. Again, we asked Ajim whether we can interview him one more time. Fortunately, he agreed to be interviewed again on the next weekend, 22nd November 2014, at the same venue. On the second interview session, we brought all the equipments needed with us. Right before the second interview session started, Imani forgot that her SD card was in a bag at home and we had to buy a new one. Luckily, there was a gadget shop and we managed to get one. After that, Shu Ling realised that the battery of the microphone was dead and again, Imani and I hurriedly looked for it everywhere but we cannot find the model of the battery. When Yanlin checked online, the CR2 battery is no longer selling in Malaysia. So, we decided to use my phone recorder instead and it worked just fine. Despite all the problems we had, the interview went perfectly well.  

taken by Yanlin

a photo of us with Ajim Juxta

Analysis
When I look at his artworks at first glance, all I can see is chaos and confusion. But when I look at the paintings closely, I spotted irregular shaped frogs. Personally, I like his paintings due to its complication and uniqueness because most of the artworks that Ajim has done resemble frogs' life cycle and our current natural environment. Somehow, his art made me realised that our world is corrupted. All in all, I learned tons of new things from Ajim through his life and artworks. He shared a lot of things about his career life. It is super hard to be an artist nowadays especially when people do not support our passions. Whatever happens, just do what you love and love what you do - that is the key to success and happiness in life. Honestly, he kind of motivate me to work hard and enjoy what I love doing currently in my life. Thank you, Ajim Juxta for having us twice and all the best in future. Hope to see more amazing artworks from you :)