Inauk S. Gullah: Murut Artist's Life and Paintings Explored in Essay

An essay published on March 12, 2026, examines the life and work of Murut Paluan artist Inauk S. Gullah (1938–2020). The artist, born in Nabawan, Sabah, Malaysia, was a Seventh-day Adventist convert who later became a self-taught painter. His paintings, often depicting themes of war, colonialism, and religious conflict, include works like 'Bapa/Dewasa Kencing Berdiri, Anak/Remaja Kencing Berlari' (2000) and '36 Jenis Buah Dalam Hutan Pupus Akibat Pembalakan Haram di Sabah' (2011). Inauk participated regularly in the Sabah Art Gallery's Annual Art Award from 1995 to 2009, with his works entering the national collection at Balai Seni Negara in Kuala Lumpur. The essay draws from SDA church archives, family interviews, and visits to Sabah locations like Keningau and the Murut Cultural Center in Tenom. His daughters Rina and Narina shared that he painted full-time using industrial paints on plywood, selling around thirty works in his lifetime. The piece references exhibitions like 'NUSA' at the National Art Gallery and 'The Plantation Plot' at Ilham Gallery in 2025, curated by Sheau Yun Lim. Inauk's work resists easy categorization as 'folk art,' showing self-awareness and humor, as seen in his 2003 painting depicting his own award reception. The essay includes contributions from individuals like Adeline Chia and artist Yee I-Lann, and acknowledges funding from Ilham Gallery for research travel.