Sylvester, a Bidayuh from Bau, Sarawak is a lecturer under the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. His areas of specialization are illustration and painting. Sylvester has special interest in research pertaining to ethnic arts and culture. He obtained his Diploma in Fine Arts & Design at MARA Institute of Technology, Shah Alam, Selangor and further pursue his Masters in Fine Arts at Pratt Institute School of Art & Design, New York, USA. Through his travels, he was exposed to many styles, techniques and cultural influences, which later influenced his style of painting which have evolved into geometric measures of interlocking wefts and almost semi-abstract in nature. The best experience he had throughout his many travels was his journey to a remote Bidayuh village at Semban, Ulu Padawan in Sarawak. He was inspired by the nature, spiritual elements and the Bidayuh culture in Semban where he met the Ring ladies, the last legacy of the Bidayuh race. He preserved every single moment by illustrating it through his artworks, hoping people from all corners to be able to appreciate the dying traditions of Bidayuh’s culture. Sylvester has exhibited his pieces, not just locally, but also in many countries all over the world, including Thailand, Italy, New York, Australia and Taiwan.

SYLVESTER WIELDING JUSSEM | ARTS