Snapshots of contemporary Malaysian art practice, revealed through insightful interviews with 14 professional artists. In their own voices, these artists share intimate stories of their first exposures to art. They reveal their learning processes, unique approaches and creative strategies, explaining their choices of space, materials and styles. A book to inspire those embarking on their own journey into the world of art.
Featured Artists
Mad Anuar Ismail
Noor Mahnun Mohamad
Sharon Chin
Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim
Hasnul J Saidon
Gan Chin Lee
Jennifer Liu Hsin Ying
Roslisham Ismail (Ise)
Elias Yamani
Eiffel Chong
Azzaha Ibrahim
Shia Yih Yiing
Ilse Noor
Pangrok Sulap
About the author
Emelia Ong Ian Li is currently a Senior Lecturer, teaching Malaysian Art History in the Visual Arts MA programme at the Cultural Centre in the University of Malaya (UM). A specialist in the Visual Arts field, Emelia received her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, USA, and earned her MA in Visual Arts at the University of Malaya under the supervision of renowned Malaysian pioneer art historian, the late Redza Piyadasa. She then completed her PhD at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, with a thesis on the construction of identities through art practice during the independence period of Malaysia. Emelia’s research interests include modern and contemporary Malaysian and Southeast Asian art, and its intersections with culture, identity, tradition and nationalism. Currently, she is researching local art practices as processes of personal and social meaning-making.
Reviews and more
How much of yourself do artists want to share with the public, and how much of their private lives or personal philosophy adequately explain their work. Sharaad Kuttan speaks to Emelia Ong, author of “Living Art”, and Noor Mahnum Mohamed, an artist featured in the book. (29 Aug 2020)
The book, Living Art, is a survey of living, creative practices (NST, 23 Aug 2020)
‘Living Art’: The inspired lives of 14 Malaysian artists and their creative practice (Malay Mail, 4 Aug 2020)
How do Malaysian artists make art? ‘Living Art’ tells their stories (The Star, 8 Jan 2020)
