Four influential figures in the country’s creative scene are being captured in a new light as Melbourne-based Malaysian artist Drewfunk brings his latest solo exhibition “Eight (8)” to Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Running until Aug 18 at AweGallery in Taman Paramount, the exhibition features four mixed-media paintings on canvas portraying internationally acclaimed artist Red Hong Yi, award-winning rapper Joe Flizzow, musician and producer SonaOne and singer-songwriter Zamaera.
Curated by Ong Jian Yang, the showcase marks a significant shift in Drewfunk’s practice from narrative-driven storytelling to portraiture.
Drewfunk, real name Andrew “Jin” Yeoh, offers an intimate exploration of portraiture through his signature blue-and-white porcelain visual language.
Each portrait is paired with one of the four classical elements – Earth, Water, Fire and Air – and one of the four seasons, creating a symbolic reflection on creativity, transformation and friendship.
In a press statement, Drewfunk said the number eight carried deep personal significance.
In Chinese culture, it represents prosperity, harmony, abundance and good fortune.
Four muses, four elements and four seasons naturally culminate in the title of the exhibition.
This marks his 13th solo exhibition over a 21-year professional career and his second solo exhibition in Malaysia.
Drewfunk said this new body of work shifts from narrative-driven works to an intimate exploration of portraiture built around four muses, four elements and the changing seasons.
“Painted in my blue-and-white porcelain language, these portraits celebrate four incredible artists and friends who each embody a different force of the natural world,” he added.
“Where porcelain preserves history, these works preserve moments, friendships and the quiet beauty of people who have shaped my artistic journey.”
The RMIT University multimedia and design graduate is known for fusing street art with fine art.
His work bridges Eastern traditions and contemporary artistic expression, featuring recurring motifs that explore themes of identity, nostalgia, transformation and belonging.
Over the past two decades, Drewfunk has exhibited extensively in Australia, Malaysia and internationally.
The exhibition is open daily from 11am to 8pm. Admission is free but registration is required.
The artist will also be holding a live painting session on Saturday, from noon to 4pm, with the artwork to be auctioned off for charity.
