Batik beneath the waves, Malaysian artist's undersea art journey

G13 Gallery recently hosted Atolls: A Journey Underneath, a captivating solo exhibition by Malaysian artist Faris Ridzwan. Known for his ability to weave the vivid life of the ocean with the intricate patterns of traditional batik, Faris invited viewers to dive into an ethereal world beneath the sea's surface. His bold, vibrant use of colour and meticulous attention to detail brought the surreal beauty of the underwater realm to life, while also celebrating his cultural heritage. In a conversation with The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), Faris reflected on the inspirations behind his work, his deep connection to the ocean and how his heritage and personal journey shape his artistic vision. Faris is candid about his creative process, explaining that the journey to creating Atolls involved an important shift in mindset. Despite only formally studying art at university, Faris's early experiences shaped his passion for fine art. After earning his degree, he entered the art world with determination, participating in competitions such as Karex Art Against AIDS 2022, the MEA Award 2022 by the CIMB Foundation, and the UOB Painting of the Year 2022 Winner Showcase. These platforms helped establish him as a promising and innovative artist.