Malaysian artists flood Twitter with #ArtistofMalaysia hashtag

Children's book illustrator Huril, who joined #ArtistofMalaysia, is someone who loves to include Malaysian culture in her works. Photo: Huril/Twitter

When freelance illustrator Intan Suhana Juhari posted #ArtistofMalaysia on her Twitter account last September, she did not expect it to become a trending hashtag.

But as soon as the 38-year-old posted it, asking artists to basically introduce themselves and their artworks, countless Malaysian artists, from graphic designers to sketch artists, replied and flooded Twitter with their works using the hashtag.

“I think it became a trending topic because as artists, it's such a great feeling to be able to share our works, and for those who viewed them to be inspired. It's great to have such eye candy on their timeline, ” says the PJ-based Intan.

“And among the art community, we've made a lot of mutuals. We have been very supportive of one another, commissioning each other, and I'm pretty sure others have received commissions outside the art circle as well,” she adds.

Today, the #ArtistofMalaysia hashtag is trending once more after Intan (or Sue Anna Joe as she’s known on Twitter) called on artists to use it again.

Let's make #ArtistOfMalaysia trending again like last time! Share your works IG/Shopee/etc RT/Like/Support/Comment others Use the hashtag #ArtistOfMalaysia // Hi, Anna here. I do a variety of digital art. Fan of photo-realism! https://t.co/zSLMTsBeDw pic.twitter.com/2Ay0Pz8WCF — ꜱᴜᴇᴀɴɴᴀᴊᴏᴇ 〄 COMMISSIONS OPEN (@sueannajoe_) January 22,2021

“It felt like it was a good time to bring it back!” Intan enthuses.

Here are our favourite picks:

Charis Loke

Penang-based illustrator and editor Charis Loke is one of the prominent artists to use the hashtag. She posted some of her book illustrations from last year.

Oh hey #ArtistofMalaysia! I illustrate books (fantasy, YA), magazines, games; work on cool stuff with non-profits; and write + draw graphic articles. https://t.co/2qTCVzbD0d Mostly on break from freelancing, so here's stuff from 2020: pic.twitter.com/xL969QJEsw — Charis Loke draws (@charisloke) January 26,2021

Ayda

Illustrator, concept artist and self-proclaimed dork jumped on the bandwagon with some of her cartoon illustrations of everyday Malaysians.

Hey #ArtistOfMalaysia I’m Ayda! I’m a concept artist who indulge too much in fanart in my downtime. I’m just bandwagoning on this hashtag to stalk other cool artist here pic.twitter.com/obyW8qewvS — Ayda (@aydanadhira) January 26,2021

Anju

Multidisciplinary artist Anju shares some of her abstract works.

cute!! #ArtistOfMalaysia hello i’m anju, a multidisciplinary artist. i create abstract pieces based on feelings and impulses. https://t.co/dvB0dm5uGQhttps://t.co/cBpj0mMeL6 currently exhibiting work in “am i alone?” a virtual exhibition.https://t.co/9zSLgjzHiO pic.twitter.com/1lACJjQkAs — (@domplingsoup) January 26,2021

Haz

It may be too early for Halloween but Haz brings out her creepier side with these horror-themed face paintings.

Hi, I'm Haz! I draw on my face so here are the looks that I've previously made. #ArtistOfMalaysia P/s and also a ˢʰᵃᵐᵉˡᵉˢˢ ᵖˡᵘᵍ: If you need someone to do your makeup once this rona calm a little bit, feel free to hit me up (͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°) https://t.co/91b8Ylb742 pic.twitter.com/zbcftEwhTZ — Haz (•ᴗ•) (@hazzmdd) January 26,2021

Anuar Nazir

If you’re getting bored with your shoes, you might want to check out this graphic designer who can give them an artsy upgrade.

#ArtistOfMalaysia I’m doing shoe customization service. Here are some of my works. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions! Follow me on Instagram: anuarcustom https://t.co/v8KjC8I7d9 pic.twitter.com/itlWchG4cA — anuarnazir (@anuarnazir) January 26,2021

Naa

If paintings and illustrations is not your thing, check out these embroidery work by Naa, a graphic designer.

Hi #ArtistOfMalaysia I'm Ainaa! I love to do art & craft, embroidery, illustration and everything related to arts lah IG: https://t.co/a4sbgaOqK6 pic.twitter.com/IRrnmptCe8 — Naa (@Ainaafrhanah) January 24,2021

Indas

These may be works in progress, but the action-themed comic illustrations are something to look out for. Someone alert Marvel.

Hello beautiful people, I’m Inda! Story-telling is my life and it is my passion to illustrate them into storyboards, comics & illustrations. It’s a pleasure to know you and I hope we can learn from each other ig profile: https://t.co/5UYAZWl3SB#ArtistOfMalaysia https://t.co/dlIJ8EEsXF pic.twitter.com/geimlvpUcd — Indasya (@IndaZubir) January 27,2021

Pudseposen

This self-taught artist uses pencils and pens for his sketch work.

Hi. I'm Pudseposen. I'm a self-taught artist and doing artwork as a hobby. My artwork is basically based on observation and lineart. I'm ready to motivate artist to start their journey and sell their artwork.#ArtistofMalaysia https://t.co/PA2BedNdrL pic.twitter.com/BJBwSIcXSq — pud (@pudseposen) January 26,2021

Huril

This self-proclaimed fan of Malaysian culture also illustrates for children books.

Hi I'm Huril, fan of the beauty of malaysian cultural themed art and i make illustration for children books artprints and stickers for malay classice attire is still available (while stocks last) hehehttps://t.co/AhjA8JbBD6#ArtistOfMalaysia https://t.co/X9MixybuL6 pic.twitter.com/XNMVQfeQDg — Huril (@hurilldraws) January 26,2021