Indian Artist Captures Malaysia’s Iconic Landmarks On Canvas

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

PETALING JAYA, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The diverse landscape of Kuala Lumpur — from its skyscrapers to historical buildings preserved from the colonial era — reflects not only the beauty of the capital city, but also stands as a symbol of Malaysia’s identity and pride in the eyes of the world.

It is therefore no surprise that Kuala Lumpur became a source of inspiration for international artist Ab Nassar Ibrahim from Kerala, India, who translated the city’s panorama into a painting worth RM5,500 at the Fusion Art Malaysia 2025 exhibition held recently at Capital Fine Art here.

Using acrylic techniques in the painting, which features iconic national landmarks such as the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, Masjid Jamek and Merdeka 118, Ab Nassar said the artwork was produced based on his observations during his time in Malaysia, particularly of the local culture and unique tourist destinations.

pic-2

“I wanted to bring Malaysian culture onto a small canvas. To me, Malaysia is a beautiful tourist destination and I wished to gather all that beauty into a single image,” he told Bernama when met at the exhibition.

Although the 60x77-centimetre canvas took him only about 30 minutes to complete, Ab Nassar said he did not compromise on quality and ensured every element was clearly expressed.

“Painting is very challenging because we need to use various methods to ensure the image we want to portray truly comes to life. However, it is an enjoyable process, and painting Malaysia’s uniqueness has given me a wonderful experience,” he said.

pic-3

The work of the 56-year-old artist caught the attention of TOPCOM Director Datuk Dr Mohamed Alwi Abdul Rahman, who viewed the piece as a reflection of the nation’s identity with strong patriotic value.

“This painting depicts our country in a single image, ‘telling the story’ of our independence and the journey of national development.

 “In this context, I believe each artist has his or her own way of expressing the nation through a personal perspective. In the case of Ab Nassar, his painting style further strengthens the spirit of patriotism in advancing Malaysia,” said Mohamed Alwi, who has only recently begun collecting art.

pic-4

Unconcerned about spending money on a piece of artwork, he believes the price is fair considering the sacrifice, creativity and dedication poured into it.

Fusion Art Malaysia 2025, held from Dec 20 to 31, showcased a diverse collection of works by artists from 20 countries.

-- BERNAMA