FROM a very young age, cartoonist-cum-actor A. Rahim Muda, better known as Imuda, has always enjoyed all forms of art and design. A self-taught artist, he started working as a full-time cartoonist in 1979 with Gila-Gila comic magazine. He gradually made a name for himself after contributing his cartoons to various others publications such as Utusan Malaysia, Dewan Pelajar and Ujang.

Those who regularly watch TV and local films will be familiar with him, for he is also a gifted actor. He has appeared in sitcoms such as Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu and 2+1, as well as feature films such as Mat Som, Hati Bukan Kristal, Kembara Seniman Jalanan and Gelora Cinta.

However, not many people know that Imuda paints as well. You will be able to see his collection of paintings in his first solo art exhibition "Wajah-Wajah Kesayangan Hamba" at the NSTP building (Balai Berita) in Kuala Lumpur till Feb 28. The exhibition is also in conjunction with the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) 2005 on Feb 26.

Forty-six paintings, with prices ranging from RM800 to RM5,000, are on display. A majority portray local artistes and personalities. Among them are Maya Karin, Deanna Yusof, Ning Baizura, Anita Sarawak, Datuk Maria Menado, Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Mawi. Portraits of international artistes are also on display such as The Beatles, Rekha, Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears, while past winners of ABPBH’s Most Popular Artiste category have also been included such as Eman Manan, Ziana Zain, Siti Nurhaliza, Zainal Abidin, Sofia Jane, M.Nasir, Rosyam Nor and Saiful Apek.

According to Imuda, his fascination with portrait painting started in 1994 when he was asked to paint actress-cum-host Sharifah Norazleenda.

"I have always enjoyed portrait painting since then. I do find it challenging because you need to capture the emotions of the subject," he said. Imuda also admits that his focus on artistes as subjects is spurred by his interest in anything related to entertainment.

"Whenever there are pictures of artistes in magazines or newspapers that catch my eye, I will paint them," he said. He uses mostly acrylic paint for his works, and it takes him two to three days to complete a painting.

Imuda is now a resident cartoonist with the National Art Gallery and awaits the publication of his latest comic novel by the end of this year.

Balai Berita is located at 31 Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Viewing hours: 10am-6pm (Monday-Saturday). Admission is free. Call 03-2282-3131 ext 2740/2575.