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5 Malaysian artists to follow on Instagram, mixing personal narratives and tradition with fashion, photography and fine art

A new generation of Malaysian artists is making inspiring, multi-disciplinary work – on Instagram. Photos: Instagram
A new generation of Malaysian artists is making inspiring, multi-disciplinary work – on Instagram. Photos: Instagram
Art

Young artists like Dhan Illiani, Sharina Shahrin and Amani Azlin are creating compelling work which strafes between the personal and political, embracing fashion, photography and fine art alike to distil a distinctly 21st century portrait of contemporary Malaysian society

With everything that’s happening in the world since the start of the year, you’d be forgiven for relying on Instagram way more than you normally should. Since you won’t be parting with the app anytime soon, it’s probably time to pepper your gaze with some seriously beautiful living art. We’re talking about five rising Malaysian artists whose personal lives imitate their signature graphic works. Follow them to enliven your newsfeed with mind-arresting visual meanings.

Dhan Illiani

 
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Despite her young age of 23, Dhan Illiani Yusof already boasts an impressive résumé displaying her multifaceted creativity. Not only is she a visual artist, but she is also a wordsmith – specifically, an editor at Mula Zine, a bi-annual underground magazine known for its independent explorations of Malaysian fashion and culture.

 

When not busy pushing cultural boundaries via art, Yusof heeds the calls of fashion brands inspired by her unconventional style. Her biggest break yet: starring in a Tokyo-themed fashion spread for Harper's Bazaar Arabia, decked in all things Chanel Cruise 2019/20.

Sharina Shahrin

 

If the marriage of Malay tradition and colourful visual cues sounds like your thing, then you need to follow Sharina Shahrin. This multifaceted artist boasts a colourful portfolio that spans beyond the ordinary canvas, translating her painterly visions across multiple mediums.