81YO Malaysian batik master uses art to navigate life with Parkinson's disease

Despite living with Parkinson's disease, Sam remains positive, using art, exercise and daily routines to stay active. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran

When veteran batik master and artist Sam Karuna, 81, unveils his latest exhibition "Soul To Soul: A Quiet Resilience", it is not just a showcase of acrylic and oil paintings. It is a reflection of a life reshaped by Parkinson's disease.

The exhibition features works created between 2011 and 2026, with 26 of the 29 pieces produced after his diagnosis.

There are also two early batik works, Penang Street and Blacksmith, offering a glimpse into the beginnings of his artistic journey in the 1970s. The exhibition is held in collaboration with artist Audrey Lim, who will present 10 cotton batik creations.

The Joy of Victory reflects the emotional journey of overcoming hardship and embracing the fulfilment that follows. Photos: Sam Karuna

When Sam was diagnosed in 2018, he was devastated. For nearly six decades, he had depended on the steady movement of his hands to create art.

"The biggest question was, "What will it do to my life?" I knew I had to fight against Parkinson's disease and I couldn't afford to give in. This is because I have a family and I don’t want to burden them," says Sam during an interview in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

"I've faced many challenges throughout my life and I knew this would be another hurdle that I need to overcome," he adds, his speech slower as a result of the neurological condition.

Parkinson's disease affects movement, coordination and energy levels, often leading to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and postural instability.

Batik on fabric, Penang Street captures the warmth and nostalgic charm of everyday life within an old Malaysian townscape.

According to "Diagnosis and severity assessment of Parkinson's disease through machine learning" published on the website of Monash University Malaysia, Parkinson's is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, with an estimated 20,000 patients in Malaysia.

Sheer resilience

For Sam, the condition has gradually reshaped how he works.

"Everything is slower now, including my techniques and movement. Despite this, I continue to paint daily for two to three hours," says Sam, whose real name is Munusamy Subramaniam.

He shares the story how, although his preferred name, based on Indian numerology, was Karunakaran, he was officially named Munusamy by his maternal grandmother, who chose the name in honour of her father. Hence the reason he goes by the name Sam Karuna.

Born in Bagan Serai, Perak, he was drawn to art from a young age, with teachers encouraging him in secondary school to pursue it professionally.

Sam with a painting of Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, which he created at 15. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran

In his 20s, he trained in fine arts in Australia, where he began working extensively with oil painting. Over the years, he has held numerous exhibitions in both Malaysia and Australia.

He was also known for developing the dyetik method, a batik fine art technique that combines traditional resist-dyeing with micro-pointillism.

But as Parkinson's progressed, batik-making became increasingly difficult.

"Batik needs a lot of physical work – canting, removing wax and boiling fabric," he explains.In 2017, he made a pivotal shift from batik to acrylic and oil painting. "Maybe it was divine intervention," he says with a smile.

That shift led him into curvilinear abstract art, defined by flowing organic lines and layered forms.

"I use flowing, curved lines to create forms that feel organic and dynamic. I focus on movement, balance and harmony in my compositions," he says.

Odyssey expresses the importance of faith and resilience in navigating life's uncertainties.

Fighting the disease

Science also plays a role in his practice. He explores how Parkinson's affects colour perception and incorporates fractal patterns found in nature to create complex and layered works.

"This helps me bring structure to my flowing forms," he adds.

The batik painting Blacksmith shows a lone blacksmith bending over glowing metal, surrounded by smoke and the warmth of firelight.

Sam says his artistic vision continues to evolve.

"I look at my earlier works to see how my style has changed and where it might go next. Each piece is a step in my journey, reflecting my thoughts and emotions at that moment," he says.

"Even as my physical abilities change, I adapt my techniques, finding new ways to express myself. I hope to create beauty, inspire curiousity and show how art can evolve over time."

He adds the exhibition title: A Quiet Resilience reflects the endurance in everyday life.

"God is great. I am blessed with Parkinson's. What if I got a stroke and I'm bedridden?

"With Parkinson's, I still can do things on my own, although I rely heavily on my wife, who is my caregiver," says Sam, who is married to batik artist Chiharu Kato, 62, from Nagoya, Japan.

Lim's batik on cotton Obsession With Nature/Dragonfly demonstrates an experimental batik approach through fluid linner compositions, bubble crack textures and layered dye applications.

He admits adapting to life with Parkinson's disease is not easy, but says staying positive is essential.

"My medication makes me tired and drowsy. There are times when I lose my sense of taste and food feels bland. But I know I can't give up the fight. It's important to keep busy and think positive. Each day, I go for morning walks with my wife and do simple exercises at home. What's important is to take your medication and keep active," says Sam, as he returns to his canvas to complete his artwork.

Soul To Soul: A Quiet Resilience runs till June 16 at Capital Fine Art, 151, Jalan 5/42, off Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.