17-year-old artist embraces heritage through her abstract paintings

Free Malaysia Today

23-06-2025

17-year-old artist Danya Adriana credits her mum for being her biggest supporter. (Danya Adriana pic)
KAJANG : While many of her peers are immersed in the digital world, one secondary-school student has chosen a different path – using canvas and colour to express herself and explore her cultural roots.
At only 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in the local art scene as a young painter who infuses abstract art with the richness of Malay culture, offering a refreshing blend of tradition and contemporary styles.
Her love for art began early: encouraged by her family, especially her mother, Danya's passion took shape at age 12, when she took part in art competitions and workshops.
'My family, particularly my mother, has always supported me. That unwavering encouragement is what drives me to keep creating to this day,' she told Bernama at her home in Kajang.
Danya experiments with textures, layers and colours inspired by nature. Shades of blue and green – symbols of calm and a connection to the natural world – frequently dominate her work.
For her, the abstract style offers freedom, a way to express emotions and ideas without being confined to realistic forms. At the same time, her paintings celebrate Malay cultural heritage through subtle motifs and imagery.
'I'm especially drawn to traditional Malay designs, like the patterns on wau, batik, and the elegance of old Malay architecture. Malaysia's rich flora and fauna also inspire me,' she said.
Danya often experiments with textures, layers and colours inspired by nature, with shades of green and blue dominating her work. (Danya Adriana pic)
'These elements are woven into my work through a modern abstract approach, with blue and green as my signature colours. They evoke a sense of calm and harmony with nature.'
While she has yet to pursue formal art training, the Sekolah Menengah Khir Johari student is undeterred. She takes her craft seriously and has proven that age – or a lack of credentials – need not be a barrier to creative success.
She also brushes aside negative perceptions about young artists, choosing instead to focus on her growth. In fact, Danya's talent has gained recognition since she joined Galeri Art Market Malaysia – a platform that showcases emerging artists to a wider audience – five years ago.
Last year, she was commissioned to produce three large-scale pieces for the interiors of the newly opened Moxy Hotel Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, which a project she completed earlier this year.
Her works can also be found in branches of Hospital Aurelius in Nilai, Pahang and Kedah, and are owned by former tourism deputy minister Bakhtiar Wan Chik.
An admirer of surrealist icon Salvador Dalí and Malaysian children's book illustrator Yusof Gajah, Danya is balancing her artistic journey with preparations for this year's SPM examinations.
Danya's artwork graces the walls of Moxy Hotel KL Chinatown and branches of Hospital Aurelius. (Danya Adriana pic)
Looking ahead, this teen artist dreams of opening her own studio, a space wherein she can not only create but also foster a sense of community.
'I want it to be a platform for education, so more people can explore art in depth. I also hope to merge art with economics and business, to help young artists become more independent and professional,' she said.
Indeed, Danya is helping to reshape how the next generation sees art: as a meaningful, professional field that plays a vital role in shaping a creative, culturally aware society.