Artist MahsuriShark Boldly Swims Against the Tide
A New Dimension of Art
Examining the painting "Sunlight in Your Universe", it is easy to feel a sense of calm and tranquility. This acrylic artwork depicts a lush corner of the woods, with trees and shrubs growing strong, away from civilisation.
But the artist, Mahsuri Sharkawi, popularly known as MahsuriShark, invites viewers to take a second look at it – this time, through the lens of their smartphones. Thanks to the magic of augmented reality (AR), a whole new world opens up within the canvas: soft music plays, plants bloom, and animals frolic.
Breaking Boundaries
"There are attractions in Malaysia which combine projections and technology with art. But we wanted to provide a mixed-reality experience without being bound to a specific space, and without huge costs," she told FMT Lifestyle.
"And we realised, since everyone has smartphones, let’s take the augmented-reality approach," she added.
Pioneering the Use of AR in Art
MahsuriShark is currently holding her debut solo exhibition, "Pieces of Me", at the Dorsett Grand hotel in Subang Jaya. The exhibition features 51 of her paintings; many are abstract landscapes, created through her unique pouring technique. Seven AR-enhanced works are on display: she believes she’s the first Malaysian artist to incorporate AR on a 5G network.
A Career in Art
MahsuriShark had always been interested in art, but she ended up in a business career, working at a local telco for over 28 years. Many of the artworks on exhibit reflect the drama of her last days of corporate life, she said with a laugh: art lovers can therefore challenge themselves, trying to decipher the symbolism there!
A Mission to Elevate the Local Art Landscape
MahsuriShark is on a mission to boost the local art landscape, to help all artists achieve a sustainable career from their art. She believes that Malaysian artists definitely have the talent to shine internationally. As such, they should never sell themselves short, or underprice their work.
"We are trying to elevate the pricing of paintings from local artists. They also can’t give in to pressure, lowering their prices because people push them to. If they can’t buy it, maybe they are not your target market," she concluded.
Exhibition Details
- Title: "Pieces of Me"
- Dates: Until Sunday, November 10
- Venue: Dorsett Grand Subang, Jalan SS 12/1, SS 12, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
- For more information, visit the MahsuriShark Gallery website, or follow MahsuriShark on Facebook and Instagram.
FAQs
- Q: What is the main theme of MahsuriShark’s art?
A: Her art is focused on breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of what is possible with art and technology. - Q: What is the significance of her debut solo exhibition, "Pieces of Me"?
A: It marks her first solo show, featuring 51 of her paintings, and the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology. - Q: What is MahsuriShark’s mission in the art world?
A: She aims to elevate the local art landscape, to help artists achieve a sustainable career from their art.