GEORGE TOWN – Most artists find it hard to pursue their dreams in Malaysia at the best of times, a state of affairs which has worsened with the Covid-19 pandemic halting all exhibitions and non-essential work.
A few artists from Open Studios Penang recently shared their struggles in navigating the uncertainties of this new normal.
Former anaesthesiologist, Esther Geh In Lin, 51, started experimenting with botanical painting after retiring but admitted that it was difficult to earn a living solely as an artist.
“There is the issue on genre versus market. Is there a large enough market to sustain one’s particular style of art? How commercial does an artist have to become to be able to sustain regular sales?
“There is also the question of affordability that depends on whether our buyers appreciate the time it takes for us to create our art.
“Personally, my genre has a very niche market, so that in itself is a challenge. The time it takes for me per piece also drives my price point up.”
As a botanical artist, Geh resorted to conducting more workshops online during the movement control order (MCO), aimed at helping others to develop watercolour and acrylic painting.
As for Mandy Maung, 36, achieving a healthy consistency in sales, juggling motherhood and being a full-time artist has always been a feat as a portraiture artist.
However, she was fortunate to have more time in her studio instead of meeting clients during MCO. She was also able to secure mural projects.
“Ever since street art got popular in Penang, mural commissions are getting more and more common. There are times when I would have a handful of enquiries about mural paintings in one month.
“At the end of the day, it really does depend if the client has a budget.”
She said that most clients have yet to grasp the amount of work and energy an artist has to expend in order to produce their work.
“Every mural project comes with its own challenges, be it financial or mutual understanding.”
Perhaps that is why most artists prefer to pursue their artistic passion on the side.
Maizul Affendy bin Baharudin, 44, is a full-time lecturer who delves in visual artistry, graphic designing, and is active in theatrical projects on the side.
To satisfy his "art addiction", he created MySoul Studio to unleash his creative works. When MCO began, he found himself working from his home and studio even more than before.
“Before MCO, I already started with my abstract art entitled the 'Rabak Melayu'. During the first MCO, it was a blow for me to reschedule my time. It took me a few days to adjust to the new norm of working from home.
“Throughout MCO first and second, I had gone through much sadness when my two best friends, who were designers and visual artists, passed away.
“To express my ineffable emotions, I started with the 'Rabak Kabar' and 'Rabak Risan' abstract art series as a tribute of my beloved friends.”
The pandemic has affected artists in different ways and Ivan Gabriel Francis Xavier – the new chairman of Open Studios Penang – hopes to not only bring art together but also the artistic community, especially during these unpredictable times. – The Vibes, February 25, 2021
