The Collective Artistic Identity Of Sebiji Padi Art Group Through Its Artworks Hawari Berahim 1 , Arif Datoem 2 , Nasirin Abdillah 3 {hawari@umk.edu.my 1 , arif.d@umk.edu.my 2, nasirin@umk.edu.my 3 } Faculty of Creative Technology & Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Bachok, 16300, Bachok, Kelantan 1 , Faculty of Creative Technology & Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Bachok, 16300, Bachok, Kelantan 2 , Faculty of Creative Technology & Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Bachok, 16300, Bachok, Kelantan 3 Abstract. This study aims to identify the collective artistic identity of the Sebiji Padi art group in Malaysia through the works of art produced, covering aspects of ideas or themes in the visual forms. A qualitative approach that emphasizes a descriptive, holistic, detailed and in-depth explanatory system was implemented to analyze the form and interpret the symbolic meaning taken from data sources such as visual artwork, documents and observations. The study's findings showed that the artworks from the Sebiji Padi art group are thematic reflections on the issues and polemics of self and socially expressed through the application of symbols and personalities in a surrealistic style that leads to a collective identity. Keywords: Artistic Identity, Sebiji Padi Art Group, Collective Identity, Artwork. 1 Introduction The world of contemporary art has undergone a rapid transformation over the past decade, demanding new territories and assimilating up to date creative practices in the arts. As a result, contemporary art is becoming more structured than ever before, with the capitals of each country competing with each other to participate in the global market. Along with global developments, contemporary art in Malaysia is also united with the phenomenon and faces various problems in its expansion efforts. It is also making efforts to elevate its importance in the current context to maintain its existence. The transition and transformation of the landscape of modern art or Malaysian art have spanned almost 90 years with the involvement of previous artists as well as the emergence of new artists from various races and educational backgrounds. This process of transition and change has gone through a very positive phase of development from the pioneering era to the present. Artists either individually or collectively emerge alternately to revitalize contemporary art around the world. Artists are producing signs, determining directions, as well as creating innovative momentum in their art. Artists can also reflect the values and aspirations of their own society and humanity through their artworks. The themes that range from internal issues to art polemics, social or political phenomena, and economic changes to ideology are all created to the maximum extent possible into a work of art full of aesthetics and rich in meaning. Turner (1) asserts that contemporary visual art is a product of the clash of past, present and future, a confrontation with all forms of change in which they all interact with each other. DESIGN-DECODED 2021, August 24-25, Kedah, Malaysia Copyright © 2022 EAI DOI 10.4108/eai.24-8-2021.2315176