This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on April 19, 2021 - April 25, 2021
A prolonged lack of social interaction and limitations to our normal day-to-day activities have upended our way of life, in some ways forever. In such desolate times, art becomes more central as a way to cope with tragedy and uncertainty. Here is a motley group of local artists and illustrators who reminds us of our interconnectedness with renditions full of deadpan humour, a touch of noir and a whole lot of quirkiness — all while keeping things real.
1 Tragikomedi
As the name implies, this profile is a combination of the tragic and the comic in equal measure. Creator Shari Elis Jaffri uses abstract representation to bring our frailties, insecurities and vulnerabilities to light in the hope of encouraging people to be mindful and reflective of their circumstances.
www.instagram.com/tragikomedi/
2 Kedai Suza
Izzati Suza’s aesthetics lie in bringing to life imagery that is familiar to one and all. Last Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Izzati took a dig at Malaysian foibles and characteristics, adopting pictures of Gardenia bread, Chupa Chups lollipop, layered pandan cake and Tiger Balm ointment on duit raya packets and T-shirts.
www.instagram.com/kedaisuza/
3 bungadanbintang by Kirin
Self-taught illustrator Kirin Sharom brings to life her love of plants and animals, depicting them in vivid pastels, delicate lines and patterns. Last year, Kirin added illustrations of positive messaging to her repertoire, focusing on self-love and acceptance.
www.instagram.com/bungadanbintang/
4 Syarifah Nadhirah
Visual artist Syarifah Nadhirah combines her love of art and science through printmaking, watercolour paintings and digital illustrations. In November last year, she published Recalling Forgotten Tastes, a book with 30-plus watercolour illustrations featuring forest edibles and the traditional cuisine of Orang Asli communities in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Syarifah also runs a design and print company called Paperweight Studio, specialising in bespoke packaging and paper stationery.
www.instagram.com/syarifahnadhirah/
5 Grimmy Granny
Sisters Sara and Nicky Chong capture the buzz of anxiety we all feel in bright colours as well as in monochromatic hues. The result is both dramatic and expressive, and feels a little like discovering the world at the end of the rabbit hole.
www.instagram.com/grimmygranny/
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