“Boleh ke?” (Can you?) – this question often follows female artists, and in fact, women from many fields of work, as it tends to set up societal barriers and limit the potential of women.
Looking to challenge this stereotype, especially in the Malaysian art scene, Nazura Rahime, curator of the exhibition Can She Do It?, has brought together an array of thought-provoking artworks from women artists. The exhibition, coinciding with International Women’s Day, is currently showing at Sime Darby Property KL East Sales Gallery till March 31.
“Women play a lot of different roles in their life, demanding ones. While some (female artists) take a step back from making art to get married and have children, others will persist with their artistic work despite the added responsibilities,” says Nazura.
‘By showcasing the incredible talent and strength of women artists, we hope to inspire a new wave of empowerment and equality,’ says curator Nazura. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
“It’s not as simple as having your cake and eating it too, but for those who are still determined to have creative output (exhibited), you can see the evolution in their artworks,” she adds.
The exhibition is a collaboration bet-ween A.P Art Gallery and Manggis Group.
It features an impressive line-up of 22 artists: Benazir Ihsan, Nini Marini, Nana Ibrahim, Megan Wonowidjoyo, Anniketyni Madian, Nor Tijan Firdaus, Binti, Habsah Abang Saufi, Sharini Yogi, Pamela Tan, Syel Ramlan, Mursyidah Zainal, Aishah Amin, Xeem Noor, Renee Moi, Soefara Jafney, Ika Sharom, Marisa Ng, Louise Low, Sara Chong, Moly, and Miriam Omar.
A series of artworks at the show (from left) ‘After Untitled Hoessein Enas 1962’ by Nor Tijan Firdaus, ‘Siang Ikan?’ by Mursyidah Zainal and ‘Veiled Emergence’ by Pamela Tan. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
Renowned for their printmaking, Miriam Omar and Ika Sharom stand out as prominent female artists, who have found a niche in the realm of visual arts here. Through their works, they continue to inspire future generations of artists.
On the subject of youth, Benazir Ihsan, a 12-year-old, is the youngest artist at this exhibition, where she is showing her abstract paintings.
There is no shortage of diversity as you walk through the gallery, with Anniketyni, an award-winning sculptor, showing strength and beauty in her Greek-inspired hardwood piece Sophrosyne, while Nor Tijan, who is known for creating portraits from e-waste, pays tribute to a Mohd Hoessein Enas painting.
Visitors exploring the exhibition. On the left are Nana Ibrahim’s paintings: ‘Gila Atas’ and ‘Gila Bawah’, while on the right are paintings from Syel Ramlan’s ‘Flowers Of Heaven’ series. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
In Low’s The Timeless Journey Of Resilience installation, using vanity mirrors and wood board, you will find a series of portraits and drawings of women, which create a reflection of their lives.
The beauty of still life can be found in Nana’s Gila paintings, drawn to the world of flowers and insects.
Soefara is also debuting her digital artworks, depicting strong female heroes, such as Cik Siti Wan Kembang, Ratu Hijau (the Green Queen of Pattani), and Mumtaz Mahal.
“Our aim was simple – we wanted art that questioned norms and broke free from stereotypes. Specifically, we encourage women artists to keep pushing boundaries,” says Nazura.
“This is the second year we are hosting this exhibition series, and we are thrilled to see how it has grown and evolved this year. We look forward to continuing this tradition and providing a space for women artists to shine,” she concludes.
Can She Do It? is showing at Sime Darby Property KL East Sales Gallery at Desa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur until March 31. Open: 10.30am-5pm. Free admission.
