POP art maestro Ahmad Azhari Mohd Nor, 49 - a self-taught artist - is
holding his eighth solo art exhibition, themed "Revolution", at the main
lobby, Balai Berita, New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad at 31 Jalan Riong
Kuala Lumpur, until Feb 27.

The full-time artist, who calls himself Jeri Azhari said: "Pop art - a
style developed in the 1960s - is based on `popular culture' and sources
materials from advertisements, films, everyday items, magazines and
newspapers."

The exhibition displays 71 items, including 13 from the artist's
personal collection.

The items are priced from RM3,500 to RM45,000. They include categories
such as printed acrylic on canvas, mixed media on paper, assemblages and
installations.

His other solo exhibitions, all in Kuala Lumpur, were in Galeri Petronas
in 2001, Charlie's Place (Restaurant) in Jalan Tangsi in 2000, Stonor
Centre in 1999, Regent Hotel in 1998, Maybank Gallery in 1997, Goethe
Institute, also in 1997 and ParkRoyal Hotel in 1996.

He also took part in many other exhibitions in Asean countries.

Jeri has been a full-time pop-art artist for the last 18 years.

His favourite technique is using old magazines (printage) and
transferring these original prints and images onto canvas. Other elements
include paper and old items such as wash basins, chairs, stools, boxes,
shoes, army boots, pots, fans, hats, door frames and bottles.

Because of this transfer technique, the images and wordings on the
artwork appear "mirror-imaged".

The titles of his artworks are usually picked from the printages.

Among the titles are "Now You're Talking", "If Your Life Were a Movie,
Would Anyone Want to See It?" and "Life's a Journey".

Bottles which he converts into art are painted with bright and vibrant
pop colours and have alphabets painted on them. Upon careful reading, the
bottles signage reads "revolution" five times.

The piece "Seduction" consists of three panels and was done in 1990. It
remains in the artist's collection.

It is easy to understand this title. Upon viewing the beautiful images
of seductive people, the viewer is invited to react to the art.

Jeri said: "If my art invokes a reaction, I feel good."

"My deliberate scratching of printages invoke viewer reactions which are
interesting to me. Some viewers show puzzlement, some shake their heads in
confusion, while others try to make sense of my artworks, and feel
challenged to give my art pieces a good, second look-over.

"Often I visually record my struggles as an artist earning a living
through my work.

"I have also included the `open box' grid to add more perspective and
depth to my works," added Jeri.

For details, call 03-20941537.