A LURKING DARKNESS: Ajim Juxta’s Dystopian Mania

By Cindy Low • 18 Jan 2016 in Design

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The intensely detailed works of Ajim are a representation of the complex and abstract idea behind his sketches that speak about an imminent dystopia he believes the world is barrelling towards. In spite of the dark approach to his art, his foray into the field comes from a more tender, loving place. It was his late parents who have prompted and taught him to draw, and it has since become an activity that is closely attached to his identity, to which he said “it’s something that I have to do [in order] to be me.” Before fully transitioning into an artist, Ajim was involved in the architecture field where it had equipped him with the knowledge and understanding of design; however, he did not find working in a firm to be creatively fulfilling. His works still utilise architectural ideas and techniques though — his sketches resemble ominous man-made structures and machines assembled for the paper. Other than sketches, one can also find his work in the form of a great mural on the ceiling of Wisma Central, as well as in the geometric patterns on a chocolate bar by Seniman Kakao—a project by Artisan Roast Coffee.

Here are some of his sketches: