The recent “Visionary Journeys Art Exhibition” at Universiti Malaya Art Gallery served as a testament to this truth, proving that art knows no boundaries.
Held from Oct 14 to Nov 14, the exhibition was a collaborative effort by the gallery, Heart2Art Exhibitors, and the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB). A portion of proceeds was donated to MAB to support its initiatives for the visually impaired.
The event featured a broad range of works, from realism to abstracts, impressionism to intricate avian art – all showcasing the extraordinary talent of both emerging and established creators.
But what truly stood out were the few pieces created by blind and partially blind artists. These works, originally crafted during a 2010 tactile art workshop organised by MAB and conducted by a special guest from the UK, offered visitors a glimpse into the boundless creativity of individuals navigating art with little to no sight.
Audiences were also treated to live demonstrations by the partially blind artists, who revealed how they created stunning pieces using tactile techniques: a truly inspiring and eye-opening experience.
FMT Lifestyle spoke with 52-year-old Sumitha Thavanendran, one of the artists who participated in the 2010 workshop.
Sumitha, who was born partially blind, described how the workshop taught her to associate colours with sensations: “We use our palms to feel temperature – light colours feel cool, while darker colours feel warm.”
Visualising colours, she explained, often relies on their perception of objects. “For instance, for an orange fruit, we are told that it is bright and vivid. For the colour black, we would say it’s dirty.
“But we still won’t understand the exact shade the way sighted people do.”
For Sumitha, working with colours can be challenging, but it has allowed her to explore her creative side. “Many of us did abstract work (during the workshop), but I painted a sunflower,” she said.
There was no drawing or sketching involved – they simply used their fingers and materials that were provided. “I dipped tissue in yellow for the petals and used green beans painted brown for the centre.”
And it is this spontaneity that informs her view that art is pure expression: “It’s whatever is going on in our minds. There’s no method to it.”
Sumitha added that their creations were displayed in the MAB building in Brickfields – until a collector came by, loved it, and bought most of it. “That’s why only a few were featured in the exhibition,” she noted with a smile.
Although “Visionary Journeys” has concluded, visitors can head on over to the MAB building to view the remaining artwork.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, MAB chief executive officer George Thomas emphasised that art can reshape assumptions. “A lot of people think blind individuals cannot appreciate or create art, but that’s not true.”
MAB, he explained, has been organising tactile art workshops since 2010. But being part of a major exhibition like “Visionary Journeys” was a significant milestone aimed at spreading awareness and changing perceptions about blind artists, and helping to fund more creative initiatives for the blind.
MAB’s dedication doesn’t stop at art: the association has run photography workshops, teaching blind individuals to handle cameras and capture photos. These images were once exhibited near Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond art, MAB actively helps the blind secure employment through professional TVET (technical and vocational education and training) courses, such as certified massage therapy.
Recent graduates from these programmes expressed their gratitude and determination. One of them, Mogana, shared: “The support has been great, and I’m looking forward to making a living on my own, maybe even setting up my own business.”
Another graduate named Adam added: “We will continue to live our lives despite the obstacles, and prove that we, too, are valuable to this society.”
Malaysian Association for the Blind
Kompleks MAB, Jalan Tebing,
Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4,
Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Learn more about MAB on Facebook.