Colours of the Heart
Artist Tunku Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah unveils her first-ever inaugural solo exhibition and tells us the stories behind her whimsical, colourful creations, set alight ‘By The Illumination of The Moon’
Artist Tunku Kamariah Aminah tells the stories behind her whimsical art creations
Evocative and expressive, Johor princess Tunku Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah’s work is multifaceted as she takes care to mix medias that provoke one’s senses; from sound, light as well as colour, the artist’s illustrations take on a surreal quality. Bestowed an honorary doctorate in creative leadership from Limkokwing University, the interior architecture degree holder is clear in her passionate advocacy for the arts as she is also one of the trustees of the Sultan Iskandar Johor Foundation, which supports underprivileged postgraduates in their endeavours.
How did your passion for art come about?
I was born with a pen and paper in hand! Art is in my blood. My late mother, Her Royal Highness Enche’ Besar Khalsom Abdullah was an artist and the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor was a very creative person. Their unconditional support was what drove my passion for the arts.
And what is art to you?
It’s a way of amplifying the moment—one evolves through being different; from who they were the day before, to trying new things and embracing change with an open mind as well as an open heart. It’s a form of evolution. It pushes and challenges the spirit to attempt the unknown, and sparks curiosity to peek behind the veil so as to realise one’s dream.
Having been a long-time advocate for the arts, how has the art industry changed for you?
The art industry isn’t one that simply sleeps and lies in wait.
It’s one of those things which is constantly on the move, whether it’s via the passage of time or the people who are paving the way forward. Back then, the main concern for artists was to adapt to the times as well as their environments because it was harder to get their work out there without the backing of galleries or museums. While the two former concerns are no less different today, artists now have to adapt to new technologies and social perceptions because the way we consume art is different.
And with the rise of non-fungible token (NFT) to fuel the explosion of digital and contemporary art, it provides us a new dimension of what ‘art ownership’ actually is, as one of the biggest loopholes in the creative industry is the lack of certainty when it comes to the authenticity of art pieces. This means that we, the artists, make our own rules now.
And how did the inspiration for ‘By The Ilumination of The Moon’ come about?
It started out as a dream. But when it finally hit me, everything just… synchronised and came alive! Dato’ Seri Farah Khan was a dear friend of mine who encouraged and supported me, offering to host a gathering for friends, family and the people who believed in who I am as well as what I did. And that very belief gave me the confidence to finally showcase this self-curated exhibit. This exhibition is a special dedication to both my parents, my sisters and my children with all my love.
What is the significance behind the four themes you’ve mentioned in your exhibit?
It’s pretty straightforward; ‘life’ reminds us that we are what makes life itself. Whereas ‘love’ is everywhere I go—i do not just like something, I love! As for ‘drama’, life is just so full of drama that we’re inevitably shaped by it. Finally, when it comes to ‘tradition’, it’s practically ingrained in me because I grew up with it.
What mediums do you often work with?
Everything and anything! I think what’s distinctive about my art are its bold and linear strokes, which is why I like to work with butter paper—when the light seeps through it, the art takes on its own life. That illumination changes everything. So when you have elements that enrich the senses, such as music, light and colour, you’re transported into this strange state of mind where you’re grounded, yet untethered to reality.
Are there any pivotal figures you found inspiring in your career journey?
I find inspiration almost everywhere imaginable. I’ve always had this connection with singer Laura Branigan. I love the effervescence of 80s pop music. And I adore Vincent van Gogh’s work—such an eccentric and oft misunderstood character. Then there’s Frida Kahlo obviously; her fierce independence, her use of colour and fearless individuality… Oh! While we’re at it, Henri Matisse and Paul Gauguin were revolutionary with their colours. They were so unique and well ahead of their time. The way they sought to express their spiritual and emotional states are things I very much relate to, a sort of… primitive expression.
What’s something that you hope people can take away from your art?
To simply evoke an emotional response from them. Each art piece is a window to my world, and it shows my perspective in the moment I was in. I want them to just feel whatever they feel, in whatever space they’re in at the time of seeing my work. That’s what art should do anyway.