How a Malaysian art collection has inspired a heartwarming book series

Nik M. Fahmee's new book of stories and art titled 'Butterflies In My Stomach'. It features celebrated painter Chang Fee Ming’s 'Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island' artwork on its cover. Photo: Mohd Faizal Zahari

Most people, when they look at art, try to interpret the meaning of each piece.

For art collector Nik M. Fahmee, what he sees when he looks at art are stories. For example, a black and white ink drawing of a skinless human figure, right hand held high, reminds him of the times when, as a young boy, he would follow his grandmother to a friend’s house.