Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim, known in the printmaking world as Pak Chot, embodies the rich legacy of his craft. His decades- long experience runs deep, yet he carries this wealth of knowledge with effortless grace, as though the intricacies of printmaking have become second nature. “I’ve been doing printmaking for as long as I can remember .
.. since I was about 18 years old.
For me, it’s not just a craft – it’s life itself. It’s as natural to me as waking up each day and repeating the rituals that make up our routines,” says Abdul Mansoor, 72, with a calm, understated confidence that belies the decades of dedication to his art. In a recent interview at Chetak 17, a printmaking hub in Wangsa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, Abdul Mansoor was in high spirits as he discussed his latest solo exhibition, Engraving Life, and much more.
Abdul Mansoor, known as Pak Chot, works on a wood engraving in his studio in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Fauzi Tahir The gallery, a sanctuary for printmakers, served as the perfect backdrop for this exchange, embodying the creative pulse of a community that has long embraced his work. In this setting, Abdul Mansoor reflected on his artistic journey and the deep connection he has with the medium he’s devoted his life to.
Chetak 17 is where Abdul Mansoor mingles with his “tribe” – fellow printmakers of all ages, sharing ideas, techniques, and stories with both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers in the craft. Engraving Life, on display until Sept 4, .