Motherhood, resilience of women on full display

VIBRANT strokes and intricate designs are used to depict the strength, resilience and creativity of women, especially those who embrace the noble mantle of motherhood.

These artwork are on display at an exhibition dubbed “Wonder Women” at Intermark Mall in Kuala Lumpur until May 30.

The exhibition, curated by Art Market Malaysia, features submissions from over 80 local and international artists.

Among these are the collaborative works of Siti Zuraiyni Yassin, 50, and her autistic son Amir, 22.

(From left) Rita, Yap, Teo, Danya and Barbulescu launching the art exhibition with a demonstration of the art pouring technique. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG and GLODIE LAI/The Star

Together, they unveiled four pieces – three abstract acrylic paintings and one in digital art.

“Mama and Moon” captures the cosmic forces that bind a parent and child.

Siti Zuraiyni said, “It’s more than just paint on canvas, it’s a symphony of therapy, spirituality and the communication between a mother and child.

Siti Zuraiyni and son Amir with one of their collaborations.

“For us, the moon symbolises hope, a beacon of light guiding us through life’s darkest nights. That’s why we always have the moon or the sun in our paintings.

“Amir is the architect of our vision. Together, we breathe life into our shared dreams, letting the colours speak the words our hearts cannot.”

Not far from Siti Zuraiyni and Amir’s captivating display, another tale unfolds through the two canvases of Sharmi Shahrani, 48.

The art speaks of resilience forged in the crucible of life.

In one of her semi-abstract acrylic pieces titled “The Blue Storm”, she depicts with bold strokes a storm-tossed sea and a golden ship defiantly sailing amid the chaos.

Sharmi with ‘The Blue Storm’.

Sharmi said, “The ship represents our inherent strength and ability to weather any storm that life throws our way.

“It’s a reminder that even in our darkest hours, we are the captains of our lives.”

Launching the art exhibition, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said, “The pieces here are a testament to the artistic talents of these wonder women.

“Motherhood is often romanticised but the reality is that it can be incredibly challenging.

(From left) Opondo, Teo and Yap admiring the artworks at the ‘Wonder Women’ exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

“Our sister artists are openly sharing the joys, struggles and everything in between that comes with raising children.

“Let us draw strength and inspiration from their stories, expressed so beautifully through their art and be reminded that the work of mothers, while often unsung, is truly invaluable to our society,” she said.

Also present at the opening ceremony were social enterprise advocate Catherine Opondo from Uganda, Art Market Malaysia founder Rita Hatta, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (retail) Datuk Joyce Yap, Romanian Ambassador Nineta Barbulescu and some 50 participants including Danya Feri, who at 16 is the youngest of the artists.