An artist displays her interpretation of innovation and progress through murals at Shell stations, writes Zuliantie Dzul
A GIRL in secondary school uniform, her hair in ponytail, is casually splashing paint across a wall. She appears to be giving vent to her imagination. The patterns she has created in shades of primary colours look vivid and bring the white wall to life. She sits still next to her creation, smiling. She can’t actually move as she’s a part of the wall.
No, she’s not trapped in another dimension. The schoolgirl is actually the subject of a mural, which is located at a Shell station in Kinrara R&R, along the Kesas highway.
“I like to work with symbolisms,” confides Caryn Koh, the artist responsible for the above work, during our recent meeting at a cafe in Bangsar, KL. Koh was one of eight artists chosen by Shell to develop 15 murals at selected Shell stations nationwide as part of the oil and gas company’s 125th anniversary celebration.
Shell Malaysia wanted to find artists who could best showcase its anniversary campaign theme of progress and the Malaysian pioneering spirit. Koh, a Fine Arts major from Dasein Art Academy in KL, fitted the bill to a tee.
MURAL MAGIC
The schoolgirl mural titled “Art Spirit” is one of two of Koh’s artworks that are displayed. In this mural, Koh captures the spirit of imagination through the use of vivid colours and patterns. The schoolgirl represents the younger generation while the traditional motifs which dot the mural’s fringes symbolise the diversity of Malaysian culture.
“I wanted to highlight the importance of experimentation in cultivating the imagination of our youth. By allowing them the freedom to express themselves in their own way, either through art or by other means, society’s next generation of leaders will be better equipped to drive the nation forward,” expresses the 29-year-old.
Her other mural, titled “Care”, can be found painted across the wall of the Shell station in Jalan Datuk Bandar Tunggal in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. This mural depicts a girl with roots and butterflies rising from her palms. This work is a reminder for us to appreciate the beauty of nature, and to safeguard it for future generations.
“By protecting Mother Earth and what we have today, we will reap the rewards in the years to come,” says Koh. “You can see the flower which provides shade, like an umbrella. So come rain or shine, nature will protect us.”
The murals stand at 8m long and 4m high and took Koh four days to complete with the help of another artist. They will be there for all to enjoy for at least a year. This is the reason why the artist opted to use wall paint which can withstand our weather.
OTHER WORKS
“I’ve always enjoyed being in the creative field from young. I even painted murals in my primary and secondary school in Damansara Jaya,” shares Koh. I discover that she has also been involved in many collective exhibitions and is notably recognised for her #sekolahseries —sketches of schoolgirls using simple lines with contrasting scratches of colour pencil.
Turning back to her work, she explains: “The blue uniform symbolises the limitations that others sometimes set on us,” shares Koh, as the thought of conformity crosses my mind as I listened to her rationale.
The human body has always fascinated Koh, who likes to focus on raw human emotions. This is why she also likes to do portraits. “It’s like everyone has something different to offer.” The artist also works with water colour, oil and acrylic.
On the choice of colours, Koh says she usually favours dark. “Yes, my subject matter can be quite dark but I always put in elements of hope in my work.”
SELF-GROWTH
The KL-lite admits to being constantly inspired by things around her. That’s how she keeps her creative spark. She concedes to having the occasional artist block and there have been times when things just won’t go the way she wants.
“So what I do is just try to keep myself busy and perhaps do other things. Sometimes you just need to break out from the monotony of your life,” shares Koh.
On how she defines success, Koh replies that it is being able to complete what she sets out to do. She pauses to sip her drink before continuing: “Also, it’s being able to share and deliver the message across to my audience. Whatever my thoughts are, I just want to be able to share.”
Like other artists, she dreams of having a solo exhibition. But not until she’s completely ready.
“If you’re having a solo show, you’d want everything to be perfect. So right now, my focus is really on self-growth,” concludes Koh, before adding that she wants to continue to grow and progress.
Just like the schoolgirl on the wall, she will let her imagination guide her.
**Check out Koh’s works at www.carynkoh.com