More Than Art - A Message Of Inclusion From Malaysian OKU Artist For ASEAN Leaders
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The flora-inspired designs, dubbed '10 Petals of Unity' and 'The Bloom of Nation', were specially designed for the summit, aligning seamlessly with Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
The painting was first sketched on canvas as a master painting (original painting) to serve as a reference before being translated back onto the surface of various steel crafts including tiffin carriers, trays and mugs by the hand painters.
By Nurhafizah Tan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- In a world where voices often dominate, hearing- and speech-impaired Nur Amiratul Farahin Ab Rahman lets her art speak volumes.
Though being a person with disabilities (OKU), this 28-year-old Malaysian artist from Johor Bahru has broken through communication barriers to create internationally celebrated artwork, which has been chosen as part of the official gifts for ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit.
Her latest flora-inspired designs, dubbed '10 Petals of Unity' and 'The Bloom of Nation', were specially designed for the summit, aligning seamlessly with Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
These designs were inspired by the national flowers of ASEAN countries, such as hibiscus, lotus and wild tropical blooms, she explained.
'Each flower is different, but together, they form a beautiful harmony, a reflection of our diversity,' she told Bernama when met at the ASEAN exhibition held in conjunction with the summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here.
She explained that her original paintings serve as the master canvases that are then translated by artisans onto everyday steelware items such as tiffin carriers, trays, and mugs.
Nur Amiratul's artistic journey began with Jeiwa Global Resources, a Malaysian social enterprise that has nurtured her talents over the past eight years. Working closely with the team, she receives themes or concepts, but the creative expression is entirely her own.
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