Perlis Art Jamming Studio Offers Emotional Healing

By Nurul Syahirah Zulkifli

PADANG BESAR, May 30 (Bernama) -- What began as a simple space for family activities has evolved into an art jamming studio in Kampung Lembah Biak, Beseri that is increasingly becoming a place for emotional healing within the community.

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the studio has become a popular destination not only for professionals seeking relief from work-related stress, but also for children with special needs to express themselves through colours and art.

Its founder, Abdul Azim Abdul Halim, 39, said the idea for the creative space emerged during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period in 2020 after he noticed many people struggling emotionally and looking for activities that could calm the mind.

The Bukit Mertajam, Penang-born entrepreneur moved to Perlis in 2019 to manage an animation project before deciding to establish his own creative venture in the state.

“During the MCO, I saw many people struggling with stress and wanted to create a space where they could express themselves through art. What started as a family-oriented activity has since evolved into a place where people seek relaxation and emotional relief,” he told Bernama.

The animation graduate said his experience in the graphics and multimedia industry since 2009 helped shape the studio’s emphasis on creative freedom.

According to Abdul Azim, regular visitors to the studio include doctors, nurses, university lecturers and civil servants who use painting as a form of emotional therapy after long working hours, while some have even broken down in tears while painting after suppressing their feelings for too long.

“Some customers paint while sharing their experiences. Here, they are free to create without pressure or judgment. Many have actually been interested in art since childhood but never had the opportunity to pursue it,” he said.

He said the studio also welcomes children, including those with autism and other special needs, to help them express emotions and build self-confidence through art activities.

“We want this space to be welcoming to all levels of society, including special needs children, because art can become a very effective medium of communication and therapy for them,” he said.

Abdul Azim said the studio has also attracted the attention of the Perlis State Economic Planning Division, which has provided opportunities for him to expand his services, including participating in exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur.

He hopes to develop the studio into a one-stop centre for art and digital creativity that can benefit the local community, as art is not merely about painting but also a platform for people to express what they have long kept in their hearts.

Meanwhile, Sakinah Abdul Rahman, 35, a civil servant from Changlun, Kedah, said she visited the studio during the school holidays after discovering it on social media.

“When I came here, I found painting to be very calming and a good way to relieve work stress,” she said.

-- BERNAMA