The Ampang-born artist told FMT Lifestyle that these older folks linger not just to admire her intricate artwork but also to reminisce about the good old days.
“Just hearing all these stories brings me so much joy. I genuinely enjoy exchanging stories and having conversations with these aunties and uncles,” the 29-year-old shared warmly.
Her art, depicting traditional Malaysian scenes and old-school shophouses, serves as a portal to the past, sparking memories and conversations about childhood days spent at kopitiam or roadside cendol stalls.
This interaction is exactly what Adibah hopes to achieve with her paper art, a craft she only embarked on last year. Her work is deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing inspiration from her own childhood memories and shared experiences of Malaysian life.
“Listening to stories from my mum and grandma, I realised these experiences are super unique to Malaysia,” she said.
Growing up with parents who were both architects, Adibah was immersed in the world of design from a young age and has been drawing since she was a child.
She graduated with a degree in architecture in 2017 and went on to complete her master’s degree in Bandung, Indonesia. During this time, her passion for art was rekindled as it blended well with her architectural endeavours.
About two years ago, Adibah moved to Penang, initially because of her husband’s job. But, wanting a break from architecture, she soon found herself following the artistic path once more.
George Town, she said, serves as a catalyst for her creativity. “There’s no place like Penang. It’s just bustling with culture and rich in history. When I’m walking in town on a weekend, even when it’s busy, I feel like every corner I turn, there’s something interesting to observe.”
Her fascination with the layers of history and culture in local shophouses is reflected in her multilayered paper artwork. But how does Adibah do it?
First, she photographs her subjects. After a rough sketch, which can take a day, she spends a week finalising details and working on the layering via her iPad.
She then transfers the outlines onto paper and cuts them using a machine. Finally, she assembles each piece, typically with five layers, made sturdy with a layer of foam.
One of her favourite creations is inspired by Pasar Siti Khadijah, a predominantly female-run wet market in Kelantan. “It’s such an inspiring story, and I think it’s important to document these disappearing jobs in a fun and interactive way,” Adibah said.
Another notable work is the “Kaki Lima” piece, a tunnel book that depicts the unique five-foot-ways of Penang’s shophouses. For the uninitiated, these are books that feature three-dimensional art, typically through a series of cut-paper panels placed one on top of the other.
Ultimately, Adibah said her works are not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about connecting with people and preserving cultural heritage.
“I try to do justice to Malaysian culture and the things I experienced growing up, because I think it’s just so special,” she concluded. “That’s what fulfils me the most.”
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