Solo photography exhibitions are rare in Malaysia, but there is one happening right now on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur at Temu House, a private event space. Nadirah Zakariya is a friend, colleague and fellow artist and I’m gutted for not being able to attend her first major solo. Feeling Feelings Makes Me, Me is a collection of recent and new works by this artist extraordinaire, who literally pours her heart out and gives 110% in everything she does, which I can personally vouch for.

Not really a review but an overview from a distance, the exhibition stars all her lockdown-inspired floral studies which are stunning and already well known internationally, as featured in the 2022 Flora Photographica publication by Thames & Hudson and in European Photography 107/108 Magazine 2020.

There are over 40 works distinctly split into three narratives, the first being floral arrangements and close-up studies in various forms, and the second series is self-expressive hand portraits bedecked with colourful sequins and jewels that are an exploration of her coming to terms with vitiligo. It is the third series, Andartu, (consisting of I to IV henna and jawi-decorated hand-palm portraits ornamentally framed with floral decor and beads from wedding shops I found to be most intriguing and revealing in Nadirah’s thought processes putting up this solo, I feel. Again, it’s the ‘feeling’ that viewers will see, but her innermost thoughts are outwardly expressed in these pieces.

“Art is a process, honour the process, the journey matters too” holds true in her work.

Do pay the exhibition a visit as it’s expertly displayed and no doubt visitors will be surprised by the entire sensorial production. Don’t miss it!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Feeling Feelings Makes Me, Me : Solo Exhibition runs from 6 – 28 May, 2023

Venue : TEMU HOUSE 49, Jalan 16/9e, Seksyen 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

@temuhouse @nadirah.feelingfeelings

All images courtesy @AllIsAmazing