MALAYSIANSKINI | There has been a time in all our lives when, as children, we were asked about our hopes, dreams and aspirations. While most follow a conventional path set by those around them, artist Hasanul Isyraf Idris’ call to his vocation came at an early age.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the 45-year-old pinned his entry to the world of art-making on a friendship between his older brother and Malaysian artist Amron Omar - who is known for his figurative oil paintings.

“I knew quite early that I could draw. During the end-of-year school holidays in 1989/1990, I went to Kuala Lumpur and stayed at my brother's house.

“He had a close friendship with Amron, so I always hung out with him,” said Hasanul, adding that he was just 12 years of age back then...