Art & Community

Hujung Tanah Art Residency

Fakrul’s artistic legacy — transforming an ordinary family home into a living centre of creativity, heritage and cultural exchange.

Story by Siti Shariza Md Azi

An ordinary home with an extraordinary cultural life.

Who would have thought that an ordinary family home would ultimately become a centre of artistic innovation and cultural exchange, recognised within the community and at district and state levels?

Driven by determination and dedication, Fakrul Zaman Sambas established Hujung Tanah Art Residency Gallery in 2014 with the support of his family. Located in Ayer Baloi, the gallery has become a dedicated space for artists to work, exchange ideas and showcase their art.

“I see HTAR Gallery as an opportunity to introduce art to the rural community and as a platform for local talents to shine.”Fakrul Zaman Sambas

Recognition

A remarkable place of encounter

One of the most unforgettable moments since the establishment of HTAR Gallery was when Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Permaisuri of Johor and now Queen of Malaysia, graced the gallery with her presence multiple times and purchased artworks there.

The gallery also received the National Visual Arts Ecosystem Support Award from the National Visual Arts Development Board. The recognition reflects HTAR Gallery’s continuous support in promoting a vibrant national art ecosystem.

Such recognition has established HTAR Gallery as a meeting point for art lovers — serving not only those with an artistic background, but anyone wishing to learn about and understand visual arts more deeply.

The richly illustrated art wall at Hujung Tanah Art Residency — A home shaped by artworks, memories and the shared language of creativity.

Traditional tools and salvaged materials displayed at the residency

Promoting sustainability

Extraordinary art from ordinary things

HTAR Gallery uses recycled materials in its artworks. Through upcycling, discarded objects are improved and reimagined as part of exhibitions, adding new value while supporting environmental sustainability.

The practice also encourages artists and the local community to appreciate their family heritage and treasured objects. With proper care, these items can endure for decades — even centuries.

It all started here

From a childhood spark to a life in art

Fakrul’s interest in art began in primary school after he won third place in a children’s magazine competition. The milestone inspired him to pursue visual arts at Institut Teknologi MARA, now Universiti Teknologi MARA, in Shah Alam.

Born into a family with an artistic lineage, he grew up with a father skilled in craftsmanship and music and a mother who excelled in sewing. Fakrul chose visual arts as his own way to express creativity with depth and purpose.

Experience

Art as a contribution to society

For Fakrul, art is not only about painting; it is also a medium through which he can contribute to society.

In 2002, he was offered a position as curator at the Sultanah Zanariah Library at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The role strengthened his knowledge of gallery management and university-level exhibition materials — experience that later helped him manage HTAR Gallery.

Books, artworks and collected objects inside Hujung Tanah Art Residency — Inside HTAR, books and collected objects turn every corner into a story.

Fakrul Zaman Sambas speaking among his artworks — Fakrul shares the ideas and experiences behind the residency.

Fakrul working with natural materials at the residency — Hands-on practice keeps tradition, material knowledge and creativity connected.

Fakrul Zaman Sambas standing before a wall of portraits, awards and gallery memories — Fakrul among the portraits, awards and memories that chart HTAR’s journey.

A monochrome house artwork displayed beside a colourful rooster painting — Different styles and stories coexist throughout the residency.

A community art centre

A dynamic and welcoming space that continues to evolve

Fakrul envisions HTAR Gallery as a dedicated place where local artists can work, exchange ideas and showcase their art. Through community events, people of different backgrounds and ages can come together to understand art more deeply and celebrate creativity.