ARTIST Zainon Abdullah strongly believes in going back to nature for
answers. "Nature has the answers to war and hatred," said the 40-year-old from Kedah.

His 39 paintings of different sizes, colours and contours, and with
layers of meanings are being exhibited at the main lobby of Balai Berita,
Bangsar, in Kuala Lumpur.

There is much to discover and learn from the painting series "Hijrah".

It highlights nature's beauty and Man's role in it. Take a moment to
look at colourful lines found in almost all the paintings.

"The lines depict wind which signifies life-giver and is infinite with
no beginning or end. That's what nature is all about, it gives us oxygen
and absorbs carbon dioxide.

"It's a crucial cycle and that is why I believe we are one with nature,"
he said.

Panavia Tornado depicts a situation where a wayang kulit artist flies an
aeroplane while an abstract-looking bird, which can be mistaken for a
human, is looking up to know the outcome.

Acra Asean shows the importance of unity within the Asean countries for
them to prosper.

This is Zainon's first "Hijrah" solo exhibition; it is a collection of
his paintings for the past 3 1/2 years.

The art professor, who teaches in Perak, has a garden filled with plants
and flowers from all over Malaysia, specially from Fraser's Hill, Cameron
Highlands, and Jeli in Kedah.

"I sometimes go hunting for trees that truly capture my senses," he
said.

Zainon has been painting for more than 10 years and has won several
awards of honourable mention from Philip Morris, Malaysia, a second award
for sand sculpture in Japan and a consolation prize from Formula Malaysia.

He holds a master's in Art and Design from University in Leicester,
Britain.

The exhibition will be held till end of the month. For more information,
call 012-587-1984.