FOR Alya Hatta, art isn't just expression — it's a compass pointing to self-discovery. Born in Malaysia and swiftly relocated to Indonesia at the tender age of 1, Hatta's canvas is a reflection of her transient childhood.
Her father's soaring career then took her from London to the Middle East, culminating in a high-school graduation back in Malaysia. Each residence, ephemeral. The challenge, she acknowledges, "fuels my art's pursuit of identity".
The 24-year-old interdisciplinary artist is gearing up for her solo exhibition entitled "Garden of Us", which is a highlight of the eagerly-awaited CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2023 this weekend.
Showcased from Friday until today at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur, her works shine under the prestigious ZHAN Art | Space banner.
Alya, an alumnus of the esteemed Goldsmiths, University of London, and the Royal College of Art flits between London and Kuala Lumpur, leaving her artistic mark globally — from Tokyo to Sydney, Milan to Tübingen.
As a member of the "Unnamed Collective", a London-based Southeast Asian artists group, she now positions herself among art luminaries like Bridget Riley and David Hockney. The journey for Alya, it seems, is just beginning.
With a gleam in her eye, Alya acknowledges my nod to her academic achievements at the Royal College of Art, a name synonymous with excellence in the art world.
After all, this institution has held its reign as the top art and design university globally, according to the QS World University Rankings from 2015 to last year. Produced by the esteemed Quacquarelli Symonds, this ranking system remains a trusted metric in higher education circles.
Yet for Alya, the value isn't merely in accolades. "Sure, the rankings are flattering," she admits with a half-smile, "but an art school, to me, is a sanctuary for exploration, growth, and camaraderie. The friendships forged and lessons learned from peers are what I loved most from my experience", she says, shrugging her shoulders.
CHILDHOOD DREAMS
For Alya, art wasn't just a choice. It was a calling. "I did well in school, but to be honest, every other subject at school felt like a chore. Only art resonated," she admits. Her smile fades into reflection as she adds: "I'd often think, if not art, then what else?"
Her path was clear: art. Thankfully, her parents supported the young woman's choice. "The faith my parents placed in me, allowing me to delve into fine art, was immense," she reminisces.
Yet, with that trust came a weight of responsibility, amplified by the finite span of her United Kingdom visa. "Every second mattered. There was a profound sense of urgency to truly make my mark."
"How did art school measure up to your expectations?" I probe.
She pauses, reflecting: "In some ways, it met them; in others, it defied them. The foundation and undergrad years were structured. But my Masters? It was a sea of boundless freedom."
This autonomy, though enviable, posed its challenges. She confides: "It was startling. Suddenly, I was in a studio left to my own devices, evaluated not by a set standard, but by how authentically my work spoke my truth. You're actually graded against how well your artwork represents your own personal ideas!"
Her enthusiasm evident, Alya continues: "Switching from a rigid academic mould to this freeform environment was invigorating." She confesses that adjusting to this newfound independence took time.
She had to navigate her personal rhythm, drawing inspiration from the world around her. "The experience was enriching. I met amazing people, exchanged ideas. It was a journey," she says, eyes lighting up.
SEARCH FOR IDENTITY
Alya's art is a reflection of her global journey. Born in Malaysia, her life has weaved through many different countries and cultures. "With each move, I grappled with identity," she says candidly.
Her quest for identity resonates with many third-culture kids. Growing up in a culture different from their parents', these individuals often navigate a blend of worlds.
This unique upbringing offers a rich mix of experiences, but can also spark questions about where they truly belong. Like Alya, they tread a path of discovery, seeking a sense of home and self in a mosaic of cultures.
"I was born in Malaysia, but when I was just 1, I moved to Indonesia. From there, it was a journey to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and London, before circling back to Dubai and Malaysia, only to return to London," Alya recounts.
Adding, she admits: "In wanting to create art, I often grappled with its focus. As I wrestled with defining my identity, I realised my true muse was the quest for that very identity."
The exhibition, she reveals, isn't just about finding identity but the ongoing search for it.
Alya's "Garden of Us" is a reminder of her own ties with Malaysia. Her artworks comprise a vibrant, colourful tapestry, with plant motifs evoking memories of her youth.
"In the urban concrete landscape of London, I find myself drawn to plants, a stark contrast to the wild greenery of Malaysia," she reflects, adding: "Amid the city's manicured spaces, I cherish those unexpected pockets where nature emerges, reminding me of home."
This nostalgia drives her choice of plants, which not only beautify but also resonate deeply with her. Caring for these plants has become second nature to me," she reveals with a smile. For Alya, "Garden of Us" is more than just art; it symbolises a harmonious ecosystem where everyone thrives together.
Recounting her nomadic childhood with her siblings, Alya shares a poignant memory: "No matter where we moved, my mother ensured that we were surrounded by familiar plants and furnishings from Malaysia. It was her way of keeping us tethered to our roots."
In her London home, this influence is evident. "Without even realising, I've surrounded myself with those familiar plants that fill my space," she exclaims, smiling.
HER INSPIRATIONS
What inspires you, I ask the artist, curious.
Alya answers with a reflective air: "It's the people in my life and our shared moments. Conversations with family and friends… those cherished memories, they anchor me."
She often ponders past interactions, reflecting on how time has shifted her perceptions. And then there are the plants — constant companions from her childhood, the very same tropical flora her mother nurtured, ensuring a piece of Malaysia accompanied them, no matter where they roamed.
"Garden of Us" is a heartwarming ode to the delicate ties between beings and nature, interweaving the essence of London and Kuala Lumpur through the common thread of ecology. This garden, subtle in its initial allure, becomes a tapestry of personal stories and cherished dialogues, a gentle extension of the spaces we fondly label "home".
It rests in the tender balance between the bustling public squares and serene private nooks, the architectural marvels and untouched nature. Just as in the time-honoured dance of human connections, Alya envisions the garden blossoming with conscious care, sculpting a sanctuary for souls and flora to coexist in harmony.
Alya's canvas comes alive not just with colours, but with the very essence of Southeast London. "Local finds, like tires and chains from Bob's bike shop or fabric trimmings from Aunty at the East Street Market, become integral parts of my artwork," she says.
The young artist has formed a unique arrangement with these local vendors, occasionally compensating them to curate materials for her. "This infuses my art with the spirit of the community, making it less about me and more a communal tapestry," she reflects.
She goes on: "The fabrics in my works often have personal narratives, often repurposed from my own clothing. They carry tales from my travels and daily life, seamlessly blending into my art."
Concluding with passion, she shares: "Each painting is a mosaic of shared moments — with friends, my grandmother, family, and even acquaintances. It's as if I'm weaving various life experiences into a single canvas, crafting a world where everything converges."
"Garden of Us" will be showcasing at Booth 12, MITEC Kuala Lumpur until today, and proceed to exhibit at ZHAN Art | Space from Oct 10 to Nov 5.