KUALA LUMPUR: "Fighting the patriarchy" is a phrase that's all too common, and despite the world's progress, this battle remains especially prevalent in the art world.
Women artists still face barriers and must work to break the glass ceiling. Even with strides toward gender equality, female creatives continue to navigate a landscape where their voices are often overshadowed, and their talents underappreciated.
The Warna (Women In Arts For The Nation) International Group Exhibition is one effort to change that.
Curator Datuk Halimah Mohd Said explained that the motivation behind gathering like-minded female artists stems from the discrimination she has personally faced in what she describes as a "male-dominated" art industry.
"I have never been invited to participate in any exhibitions," Halimah shared, pointing out the deep-seated favouritism that often sidelines women artists.
This frustration, she added, stems from a long history in which female creatives' contributions are often dismissed, seen as mere hobbies rather than acknowledged as serious art.
Halimah believes this bias exists not only in male-dominated spaces but also within galleries.
Inspired by her own struggles, she created Warna as a space for women artists to rise above stereotypes.
"Women are often seen as socialites instead of serious creators," she said, highlighting the biases female artists still encounter.
Through Warna, Halimah aims to go beyond simply showcasing art; she wants to make a strong call for recognition and equality in a field long dominated by men.
The exhibition, held at Harta Space Gallery in Ampang, features the works of 20 female artists from diverse backgrounds. Themed Exploring Spaces Beyond Boundaries, the exhibition is a testament to the resilience of women in the arts. Each piece tells a unique story that transcends physical, mental, and emotional boundaries.
Her Royal Highness Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, known for her advocacy of women's causes, delivered an inspiring opening speech at the launch. She underscored the importance of visibility and recognition for female artists, noting that women's group exhibitions are becoming "more rugged" alongside other art platforms.
Tuanku Zara praised the exhibition as essential, acknowledging that female artists often struggle to penetrate established art circles, which are largely dominated by men with their own networks, patrons, and collectors.
She emphasised that Warna deserves widespread support, which would empower women artists to create works that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the country and around the globe.
As she toured the exhibition, engaging with the artists and their stories, Tuanku Zara expressed that the exhibition deserves greater patronage.
The exhibition theme, Exploring Spaces Beyond Boundaries, is reflected in the bold and innovative works on display.
Local artist Alice Chang-Guerra reinterprets vibrant colours traditionally associated with boldness into calming compositions, inviting viewers on a journey of healing and reflection.
Her paintings, rich in hue yet soothing in effect, challenge expectations often placed on women in the arts.
Another local artist, Marisa R Ng, explores the synergy between science and art through her innovative use of aluminium surfaces, pushing creative boundaries and redefining the potential for artistic collaboration.
International artists are also central to the exhibition.
Iranian artist Neda Zoghi's work delves into the strength of Palestinian mothers amidst the Gaza conflict.
Though Neda couldn't attend, her daughter Samin represented her and spoke about the significance of her mother's painting, Mothers of Palestine.
The piece captures the struggles and resilience of Palestinian mothers, who fiercely protect their children despite overwhelming hardships, embodying the essence of motherhood and national defence.
Italian artist Benedetta Segala, who has lived in Malaysia for 10 years, seeks to challenge gender stereotypes in her work.
"Art should transcend gender," she said, telling viewers to focus on the quality and message of the work itself.
Her piece, Questo Fuoco e' Miele, intertwines personal vulnerability with mythological themes, inviting viewers to engage with her artistic evolution.
Segala's journey, rooted in her hometown of Mantua, Italy, has been shaped by her travels and life experiences. As she prepares for her solo exhibition in Mantua in 2026, she plans to showcase works from different periods of her life, allowing viewers to trace her artistic growth over the years.
The Warna exhibition runs until Oct 19 (closed on Oct 14), from 10am to 5pm daily. Visitors can enjoy free admission and support women in the arts as they showcase their boundary-breaking creations.