The Tree of Life by Mathew Ngau Jau
Inspired by the Kenyah tree of life pattern, this painting unfolds as a layered visual narrative of balance, ancestry, and interconnectedness. In Kenyah culture, the tree of life symbolizes continuity—linking the natural world with the human spirit, and tying past generations to those yet to come. By drawing from this powerful motif, the artwork highlights the harmonious relationship between the rainforest, its wildlife, and the people who depend on one another for mutual survival. Every form within the painting—leaf, bird, human figure—cycles back into the same living system, echoing the Kenyah understanding that life flourishes only when each part supports the whole.
While the tree of life is traditionally rendered in striking monochrome, the artist introduces warm, earthy tones layered against an ebony backdrop. This deliberate contrast brings forward both the quiet strength and vibrant pulse of life in the rainforest. The colours invite viewers to see the motif not just as a symbol, but as a living expression of Indigenous worldviews—simple in form, yet deeply intricate in meaning.
Community Background
The Kenyah people are an Indigenous community of Northern Borneo, known for their rich artistic traditions and longstanding relationship with the rainforest. Their motifs—seen in weaving, beadwork, woodcarving, tattooing, and mural designs—carry stories and teachings passed down through generations. These designs function as a visual archive of values, origins, and ecological wisdom.
Historically living along the river systems of Sarawak and Kalimantan, the Kenyah have always practiced a way of life guided by reciprocity with the land. To them, the rainforest is not a resource but a relative—provider, protector, and teacher. The revered tree of life motif reinforces this belief, symbolizing growth, protection, and the spiritual bond between people, nature, and the unseen world.
About the Artist
Mathew Ngau Jau is a highly respected Kenyah artist, musician, cultural bearer, and the 2015 Malaysia’s National Living Heritage award recipient. Born in Long Semiyang, Ulu Baram, Mathew grew up immersed in the rhythms, stories, and art forms of Kenyah longhouse life. His creative journey is shaped by his deep connection to the rainforest and the cultural knowledge imparted by elders, particularly in traditional visual motifs and the music of the sape’—a lute-like instrument iconic to the Orang Ulu communities.
As both an artist and cultural guardian, Mathew is committed to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous arts. His work often blends traditional patterns with contemporary expressions, creating pieces that feel timeless yet relevant. Through his paintings, carvings, and performances, he aims to keep Kenyah heritage alive while sparking broader conversations about Indigenous identity, environmental guardianship, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
His art stands as both a tribute to his ancestors and an invitation for future generations—reminding us that culture, like the tree of life, continues to grow when tended with care.