Cover image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
Have you ever wondered what Malay proverbs and idioms – or peribahasa and simpulan bahasa – would look like if they were literally translated into visuals?
Using only a mobile phone app, that's exactly what Malaysian artist Hyrul Anuar did!
"Every piece was created layer-by-layer using the Samsung Galaxy Note 3's painting app – Mobile Sketch," he wrote on [his website](http://cargocollective.com/hyrulanuar/THE-VISUAL-SERIES-OF-MALAY-PROVERBS).
"With this simple gesture, we hope to convey the beauty and wisdom of these Malay proverbs, to be appreciated by the current generation and those to come."
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Cargo Collective
According to Hyrul Anuar, the project represented "a period of distress" when he felt homesick in Italy, as he was unable to "blend into the culture and lifestyle of the locals"
"For me personally, these drawings of Malay proverbs and their deep values represent a period of distress while I was homesick in Italy, unable at first to blend into the culture and lifestyle of the locals," he wrote.
"This series was inspired by a time of darkness; with traditional art expressed through technology, I was able to overcome such adversity."
Image via Hyrul Anuar
Check out some of the drawings here:
1. Laut dalam dapat diduga, hati manusia siapa yang tahu (The sea's depth can be predicted, but no one knows what's in another person's heart)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** It's difficult to understand a person's feelings, thoughts, and even motives.
2. Bercintakan geliga di mulut naga (In love with the pearl in a dragon's mouth)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Attempting to achieve something that is impossible.
3. Kalau takut dilambung ombak, jangan berumah di tepi pantai (If you are afraid of being tossed by the waves, do not build a house by the beach)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** If you are not willing to suffer i.e. work hard for an end goal, don't set a difficult one to achieve.
4. Seperti katak hendak jadi lembu (Like a frog who wants to become a cow)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Doing something that is way beyond one's capability.
5. Musang berbulu ayam (Fox in chicken's clothing)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** A person with a pleasant and friendly appearance that hides the fact that they are otherwise i.e. evil. Similar to "wolf in sheep's clothing".
6. Tikam belakang (Backstabbing)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
7. Memberi muka (Giving face)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
8. Laksana menggigit tangan yang menyuapkan nasi (Biting the hand that feeds)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Not appreciating what others have done for you.
9. Mendukung biawak hidup (carrying a live lizard)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Doing something useless.
10. Sambil menyelam minum air (Diving while drinking the water)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Doing two advantageous things at the same time.
11. Meludah ke langit, akhirnya muka sendiri yang basah (Spit towards the sky, ends up with a wet face)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Doing something stupid that ends up embarrassing oneself.
12. Berkayuh sampan bocor (Paddling a leaky canoe)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Living in extreme poverty.
13. Mengikat perut (Binding the stomach)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Saving money (by literally eating less).
14. Belahlah dada lihatlah hati (Split my chest and look at my heart)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** To declare complete honesty.
15. Berendam air mata (Soaking in tears)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Someone who is always sad or crying.
16. Banyak mulut (Many mouths)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Someone who is very talkative / won't stop talking.
17. Keluar mulut harimau, masuk mulut buaya (Out of a tiger's mouth, into the crocodile's)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Having escaped a precarious situation, only to encounter another one. Similar to "out of the frying pan, into the fire".
18. Seperti kera mendapat bunga (Like a monkey obtaining a flower)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Gifting something beautiful and valuable to someone who does not know how to appreciate it and might even destroy it.
19. Bagai anjing berebut tulang (Like dogs fighting over a bone)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** The greedy fighting for power, wealth etc.
20. Kaki lepas, leher terjerat (The legs/feet are free, but the neck gets ensnared)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** One who has escaped from the repercussions from his evil deed may run and hide, but he will eventually get caught.
21. Makan hati (Eating one's own heart)
Image via Hyrul Anuar via Tumblr
**Meaning:** Feeling so much sadness that it eats into your entire being.
The collection of drawings, dubbed 'The Visual Series of Malay Proverbs', were actually displayed in Yasmin at Kong Heng in August last year
Check out highlights from the exhibition-cum-workshop on [Hyrul Anuar's website](http://cargocollective.com/hyrulanuar/THE-VISUAL-SERIES-OF-MALAY-PROVERBS). You can also see more of his works and he's been up to lately [here](http://cargocollective.com/hyrulanuar).
