Artist Channels Feminine Power In Ramayana-inspired Artwork

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) – Malaysian visual artist Mona KV has paid tribute to the strength and grace of women through her latest artwork ‘Alchemy’ showcased at the Third ASEAN-India Artists Camp in Shillong in Meghalaya, India.

Held from April 1 to 7, the camp, themed ‘Echoes of Ramayana: Artistic Journeys Across ASEAN and India’, brought together creative voices from the region to explore cultural intersections through art.

For Mona, whose full name is Mohana Kumara Velu, the theme struck a personal chord.

“The quiet resilience of Sita – a symbol of virtue, strength and perseverance in the (ancient Indian epic) ‘Ramayana’ resonated with me,” she told Bernama.

“It reminded me of the inner strength so many women carry silently. ‘Alchemy’ is my tribute to that sacred, unspoken power.”

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Rendered in acrylic and gold leaf, ‘Alchemy’ weaves together elemental motifs of water, sky and earth, evoking a natural, spiritual equilibrium. Through layered textures and fluid brushwork, Mona channels the essence of womanhood – graceful, grounded, yet immensely powerful.

“This piece honours divine feminine energy,” Mona said. “It reflects my belief that every woman, in her essence, is a goddess.”

Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Mona’s artistic journey began at age five with her interest in art sparked by the murals of the old Pudu Prison here.

A graduate of the Malaysian Institute of Art, she honed her skills under the mentorship of artist Jeganathan Ramachandram.

Mona’s works have been exhibited in galleries in Italy, Spain, Nepal, the United States and Bangladesh. She was also a finalist in the Malaysian Emerging Artist Awards and Starhill Gallery Visual Art Awards.

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Describing the ASEAN-India Artists Camp as “creative cross-pollination”, Mona said she found the cultural exchange deeply enriching.

“Each artist brought something unique… different stories, traditions and techniques,” she said. “It wasn’t just collaboration but a shared journey through culture and imagination.”

Among the highlights for Mona was a workshop on Meghalaya’s traditional black clay pottery as well as the region’s vibrant cultural performances, which she described as deeply moving and educational.

“Experiences like these deepen not just our artistic practice but our understanding of one another. Art becomes a bridge, transcending language, politics and borders,” she said.

As Malaysia has assumed ASEAN chairmanship this year, Mona hopes the country will take the lead in fostering regional art exchanges and collaborative platforms.

“We have such a dynamic art scene. With more residencies and international exhibitions, Malaysia could play a pivotal role in strengthening ASEAN’s cultural fabric,” she said.

‘Alchemy’, meanwhile, is set to be part of a travelling exhibition curated by New Delhi-based Seher India, a cultural organisation known for championing the arts through global partnerships. Plans are underway to bring the exhibition to Malaysia soon.

— BERNAMA