Kuala Lumpur: The cluster of torch ginger flowers, a plant once nurtured by his late mother, became a source of inspiration for artist Hashim Man in creating a piece for display at the ‘Ilustrasi Botani: Rasa Alam’ programme at the Balai Seni Negara (BSN) here. Hashim, also a writer under the pen name Ubi Marchino, said that reflecting on memories with his mother motivated him to produce this work for the exhibition, which runs from today until July 31.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the artist from Kuala Lipis, Pahang, whose works have been displayed at the Members Only Exhibition at BSN as well as an art programme in rural Bakun, Sarawak, said his painting of the torch ginger flower, titled ‘Penyeri Rasa’, was created using acrylic on paper. “When BSN invited me to participate in this programme, I was also drawn to the term ‘Rasa Alam’ because I am a nature tour guide, and thus the theme resonates deeply with me,” he said when met at BSN today.

Another artist, Dr Zaimie Sahibil from Sabah, said that the lime, or Citrus Aurantifolia, was the subject of his artwork, which was created using watercolour on paper. He expressed interest in having future programmes conducted on-site to enhance the detail and accuracy of the artworks. Dr Zaimie suggested involving individuals beyond artists, such as village midwives, to explain the medicinal benefits of plants, noting their expertise passed down through generations.

The exhibition features the works of Hashim and Zaimie among 24 botanical illustrations on paper, alongside two sculptures and two AR animations at BSN. BSN director-general Amerrudin Ahmad noted that 14 artists, including sculptors, painters, and lecturers from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), were invited to contribute to the Botanical Illustration Camp: Rasa Alam Programme. Participants exchanged ideas on understanding and interpreting the importance of herbs visually.

He added that the programme is part of BSN’s mission to promote and disseminate knowledge about botany while strengthening awareness about biodiversity conservation and the importance of flora in the ecosystem and cultural heritage.