Sulaiman Suhaimi (1922–2008) was known as a Singapore modern artist proficient batik and khat. He was a co-founder of Persatuan Pelikis Melayu Malayu (PPMM) or Society of Malay artists established in 1949, the same year as the formation of the Singapore Art Society. He studied at the Tanglin Besar Malay School and Kota Raja Malay School, and later attended the Sultan Idris Training College in Tanjung Malim, Kedah, and International Correspondence School. After graduating from the Sultan Idris in 1941, he joined the education service.
A student of Richard Walker, as well as J.H.E. Flake, both Superintendents of Art in the Ministry of Education, he also learnt oil painting from a Mr. Saburo at the Information Bureau during the Japanese occupation. In return, Cikgu Sulaiman (cikgu means teacher in Malay) taught him the Malay language. In 1952, he became a specialist teacher in Art and Physical Education, and was made Inspector of Schools in 1962 until he retired in 1977.
In 1947, Cikgu Sulaiman participated in his first art exhibition for teachers, organised by the Education Department. In March 1950, he was one of the particpating artists at an exhibition at the British Council Hall, alongside Liu Kang, Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi, Suri Mohyani, C. A. Gibson-Hill, his teacher Richard Walker and others. In October that year, he joined another exhibition for teachers organised by the Singapore Art Society, also held at the British Council Hall, together with Suri Mohyani; both were considered “two of the best Malay painters”.
He started his passion in khat or Islamic calligraphy in 1978 when he visited Jordan after performing his Haj or Islamic pilgrimage. A special form of Arabic writing, khat blends rich Islamic art traditions together. It comprises verses from the Quran or Hadiths (Sayings of Prophet Muhammad). His khat works were exhibited for charity; beneficiaries include Jamiyah, National Kidney Foundation, St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital, Darul Arqam and various mosques in Singapore. A member of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD), he had his first solo exhibition, Wanasari, organised by APAD, in 2002.
Cikgu Sulaiman was also a mentor to younger artists such as S. Mohdir and Sarkasi Said. He received the Pingat APAD (APAD Award) in 1975, together with seven other recipients such as Ho Ho Ying and Yeo Hoe Koon.
Sulaiman Suhaimi’s excellent artistic achievements and exceptional contribution to the Malay art community and the local art scene should be acknowledged in Singapore’s art history books.
