Meet Danya Adriana: The teen artist giving Malay culture a fresh, abstract twist
15 Jun 2025 04:00pm
At just 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in Malaysia's 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 style. Photo by Bernama
WHILE many of her peers are immersed in the digital world and modern entertainment, one secondary school student from Kajang has chosen a different path - using canvas and colour to express herself and explore her cultural roots.
At just 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in Malaysia's 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 style. At just 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in Malaysia's 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 style. Photo by Bernama
Her love for art began early. Encouraged by her family, especially her mother, Danya Adriana's passion took shape at the age of 12 when she started participating 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 during a recent interview at her home.
Choosing abstract art as her main medium, Danya Adriana experiments with texture, 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. At just 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in Malaysia's 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 style. Photo by Bernama
For Danya Adriana, 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 (traditional kites), batik, and the elegance of old Malay architecture. Malaysia's rich flora and fauna also inspire me. At just 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in Malaysia's 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 style. Photo by Bernama
"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,' she explained.
Though she has yet to pursue formal art training, the Sekolah Menengah Khir Johari student is undeterred. She continues to take 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 Adriana's talent has gained recognition since she joined Galeri Art Market Malaysia five years ago - a platform that showcases emerging artists to a wider audience.
Danya Adriana's rising profile recently led to a major milestone. Last year, corporate giants YTL Group and Marriott International commissioned her to produce three large-scale pieces for the interiors of the newly opened Moxy Hotel Kuala Lumpur Chinatown - a project she completed earlier this year.
Her works can also be found at several branches of Hospital Aurelius in Nilai, Pahang, and Kedah and are proudly owned by former Deputy Minister of Tourism Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.
An admirer of surrealist icon Salvador Dalí and Malaysian children's book illustrator Yusof Gajah, Danya Adriana is balancing her artistic journey with preparations for this year's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. At just 17, Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda is making a name for herself in Malaysia's 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 style. Photo by Bernama
Looking ahead, she dreams of opening her own art studio - a space where she can not only create but also foster a sense of community.
"I want the studio to be a platform for education, so that more people can explore art in depth. I also hope to merge art with economics and business, helping young artists become more independent and professional,' she said.
With her talent, vision, and determination, Danya Adriana is not just making her mark in the world of art - she is helping reshape how the next generation sees it: as a meaningful, professional field that plays a vital role in shaping a creative, culturally aware society. - BERNAMA
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