Young Artist Proves Physical Challenges Cannot Limit Creativity

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Behind the vibrant colours and striking batik motifs featured at the ‘Seni Mekar: Art in Bloom’ exhibition at KEN Gallery here lies the inspiring story of a young woman who has transformed physical limitations into a source of artistic strength.

Visual artist Ainaa Farhanah Amali, 31, has proven that living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is no barrier to creating artworks rich in local identity and distinctive aesthetic value.

Her piece titled ‘Malaysia I Know 3’, featuring a red hibiscus set against turquoise-blue batik motifs on fabric, took about a week to complete and highlights Malaysian cultural elements through her unique artistic interpretation.

Ainaa said the painting process is physically challenging for her because of her condition, which causes her hands to tremble. Yet, rather than discouraging her, Ainaa has embraced the condition as part of her artistic identity. (SMA is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes certain muscles to become weak and waste away.) 

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“Controlling the brush can be difficult because my hands sometimes shake. But art doesn’t always have to be about perfect lines, so I’ve learned to make that as part of my work,” she told Bernama when met at the exhibition.

Passionate about art since the age of two, the graphic design graduate from First City University College in Selangor said many of her artworks are inspired by personal experiences and the sense of calm she feels by the seaside.

She also shared the challenges of creating batik art, which requires the use of hot wax and delicate precision without preliminary sketches on the fabric.

“While working on this piece (exhibit), my hands were trembling throughout the process. Some parts turned out well, while others didn’t go exactly as planned. Handling hot wax also requires extra care.

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“Thankfully, the wax dries quickly, which helps a little. I also have to work slowly to avoid injuring myself,” she said.

Ainaa said she limits herself to about two hours of work each day because her hands become numb if she paints for too long due to her condition.

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The ‘Seni Mekar: Art in Bloom’exhibition also features the work of 13-year-old Dhia Mohd Fadzli, who lives with autism and expresses her imagination through abstract, galaxy-inspired patterns. Her mother Mariena Malek, 54, said Dhia’s passion for art became apparent after she introduced her to art classes about a year ago.

“I tried exposing Dhia to many different activities because her interests tend to change quickly. But once she started painting, she showed extraordinary enthusiasm.

“When she has an idea, she’ll keep drawing until the piece is completed because she becomes completely focused on finishing it,” Mariena said.

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Meanwhile, Yap Sook Yee from FriendenArt, a representative of the exhibition organiser, said the exhibition was organised in collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah under the ArtFAs 2025 initiative to provide a platform for persons with disabilities and individuals facing health challenges to showcase their artistic talents to a wider audience.

She said every child possesses unique potential and requires continuous support to grow into confident and resilient individuals.

Running from May 15 to 18, the exhibition brings together 18 young artists with disabilities aged between six and 31, including individuals with Down syndrome.

-- BERNAMA