But the artist, Mahsuri Sharkawi, popularly known as MahsuriShark, invites viewers to take a second look at it – this time, through the lens of their smartphones. Thanks to the magic of augmented reality (AR), a whole new world opens up within the canvas: soft music plays, plants bloom, and animals frolic.
“There are attractions in Malaysia which combine projections and technology with art. But we wanted to provide a mixed-reality experience without being bound to a specific space, and without huge costs.
“And we realised, since everyone has smartphones, let’s take the augmented-reality approach,” she told FMT Lifestyle.
“There’s been a lot of talk about AI recently. But I don’t think you need to be afraid of technology, or take sides. The question should be, how do we use AI to enhance what we already have?”
Granted, it’s not your regular fine-art experience: then again, MahsuriShark has never been just a regular artist. The charismatic KL-born has always prided herself on swimming against the tide.
The spirited artist got her distinctive name when her father, an air-force pilot from Sarawak, visited the tomb of Mahsuri while stationed at Langkawi. After he was done, he received an urgent call: his wife was giving birth!
Inspired by the experience, he named his daughter after the legendary figure.
MahsuriShark is currently holding her debut solo exhibition, “Pieces of Me”, at the Dorsett Grand hotel in Subang Jaya. The exhibition features 51 of her paintings; many are abstract landscapes, created through her unique pouring technique.
Seven AR-enhanced works are on display: she believes she’s the first Malaysian artist to incorporate AR on a 5G network.
But why display her work in a hotel, instead of an art gallery? Exposure, of course, she said, smiling. There’s higher footfall in a hotel than your usual art space.
While MahsuriShark had always been interested in art, she ended up in a business career, working at a local telco for over 28 years.
Many of the artworks on exhibit reflect the drama of her last days of corporate life, she said with a laugh: art lovers can therefore challenge themselves, trying to decipher the symbolism there!
She now creates art at the MahsuriShark Gallery in Sungai Buloh, which she runs with partners Zuraida Mohamad and Anaz Khalid. Her work was recently displayed at the Miri Arts Festival in August.
“Pieces of Me” allows viewers to experience her journey from the rigid world of telecommunications to creative liberation. “Talking to the Moon” and “Shine Through” demonstrate her fine eye for colour and contrast, while “Dreamers” and “Wonderful World” serve as a tribute to the timeless beauty of nature.
Make sure to check out the AR pieces: one is “Hurricane Sofiah”, which depicts the story of a girl as she grows from infancy to motherhood.
The exhibition also marks a unique fusion of art and fashion, as MahsuriShark has collaborated with local designer Anne Razid and Indonesian boutique House of Hasto to present three exclusive fashion lines inspired by her abstracts and landscapes.
She also has much planned for the future, among them, collaborating with UCSI hospital to have her paintings displayed there. Proceeds from sold artwork will benefit its patients.
According to MahsuriShark, Malaysian artists definitely have the talent to shine internationally. As such, they should never sell themselves short, or underprice their work.
She is also on a mission to boost the local art landscape, to help all artists achieve a sustainable career from their art.
“We are trying to elevate the pricing of paintings from local artists. They also can’t give in to pressure, lowering their prices because people push them to. If they can’t buy it, maybe they are not your target market.
“Our artists are wonderful, no question about that, and it’s time their work is seen for what it is,” she concluded.
‘Pieces of Me’: an exhibition by MahsuriShark
When:
Until Sunday, Nov 10
Where:
Dorsett Grand Subang,
Jalan SS 12/1, SS 12,
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
For more information, visit the MahsuriShark Gallery website, or follow MahsuriShark on Facebook and Instagram.