The Aquarium in the Abyss
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12: For 13-year-old Nur Qaira Qaseh, she has always found joy in expressing herself through art as a young and passionate artist.
Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, she faced challenges in conventional learning environments, especially with reading and writing.
However, her creative talents became a powerful outlet that allowed her to communicate her thoughts and emotions in ways that words could not, according to her doting mum, Nor Hanim Idris.
“Despite the struggles that come with dyslexia, Qaira never saw her learning differences as an obstacle, but rather as a unique lens through which she views the world. Her condition has helped her develop a distinct artistic style, characterised by bold colours, dynamic compositions, and an ability to convey complex emotions in her work,” Hanim adds.
Qaira was pleasantly surprised when she invited to take part in Telur Pecah 4.0, a public art exhibition running from now until Nov 10, 2024 at Levels 3A and 5 of GMBB Building, Jalan Pudu here (opposite the Tung Shin Hospital).
When asked how she felt at being invited, she exclaimed:“Excited!”
Nur Qaira Qaseh
For Qaira, Hanim says each brushstroke on canvas is a reflection of her journey — overcoming obstacles, celebrating victoriesand embracing her individuality.
“Art has been a way for Qaira to build confidence and connect with others. Through her work, she hopes to raise awareness about dyslexia, showing that neurodiversity is not a limitation, but rather a source of strength and creativity. Her pieces often reflect themes of perseverance, growth, and the beauty of seeing the world from a different perspective,” her mum reveals.
Hanim hopes Qaira’s story will inspire others facing similar challenges to embrace their passions and never let their differences hold them back from achieving their dreams.
Qaira’s participation in this exhibition is a significant milestone in her artistic journey. While she is excited in able to share her creations with a wider audience, she has also accepted the fact that she may have to part with her paintings if there are purchasers, especially her “The Aquarium in the Abyss”.
This painting depicts the enchanting contrast of a serene aquarium nestled within the vast, mysterious depths of the ocean.
Qaira captures the idea of a peaceful, controlled environment amidst the wild unknown of the deep sea. The intricate marine life surrounding the aquarium symbolises the connection between the familiar and the unknown. Through vibrant colours and detailed textures, Qaira brings to life her vision of harmony between human-made beauty and nature’s untouched wonders, showing how both can coexist within the same world.
As for “Candyland Adventure”, Qaira takes us on a joyful journey through a whimsical world of sweet treats and fantasy.
The playful characters, inspired by gingerbread figures, frolic in a candy-coloured landscape surrounded by cherry blossoms and clouds. The pink hues evoke feelings of warmth and happiness, capturing the innocence and fun of childhood imagination.
For Qaira, this painting represents the joy of exploring new adventures and the limitless possibilities of creativity, where every day is filled with laughter and sweet surprises.
In the heartwarming “Paw-sitive Greetings”, Qaira paints an adorable kitten waving with its tiny paw, capturing the innocence and charm of our beloved feline friends.
The soft, fluffy texture of the kitten’s fur and the wide, sparkling eyes evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. For Qaira, this painting represents the simplicity of joy and connection — much like the happiness we feel when greeted by a loving pet. The painting is a reminder to embrace life’s small moments of affection and positivity.
WE