In our November issue, we invite five Malaysian artists to interpret the theme of “hope” through their art. In the midst of our current social climate, we explore how art can be more than a cultural tool — it is also a medium of communication that can inspire change and instil hope within our community.
“Art is like music,” self-taught fashion illustrator Hwi tells us, “it connects people even when we don’t speak the same language. It speaks to our emotions and tells stories that everyone can relate to in their own way. I believe that when people truly feel, it opens space for empathy and hope.”
Back when the pandemic hit and travelling became impossible, Hwi suddenly found herself with a lot of time to spare. “That was when I started sketching more on my tablet and decided to create an art account to share my work. That small step eventually led me to pursue art full time.”
Hwi specialises in feminine illustrations, and you’re bound to find her sketching people at fashion events, capturing their outfits in their most minute details. But before becoming a full-time artist, Hwi actually worked as an insurance unit manager. “Drawing has always been my hobby, something I turned to during my free time,” she shares. Eventually, she came to develop the style that she’s known for today. “I believe the key to finding your own art style is to draw as much as you can, every single day if possible. Through that process, you naturally start exploring different tools, techniques, and styles. And over time, you begin to notice what feels most natural to you and what excites you the most. That’s when your unique art style starts to form.”
Over time, Hwi’s growth as an artist has also taught her things beyond the aesthetic beauty of it: “I feel deeply grateful to be able to do what I love for a living, something that once felt impossible. Aside from improving my art, I’ve also learned how to manage the business side of being an artist that includes handling clients, building relationships, managing timelines, and keeping projects organised. These experiences have taught me that being an artist isn’t just about creating. It’s also about learning to navigate people and processes behind the scenes.”
There’s a subtle quirk to Hwi’s artworks — something that feels indescribably Hwi. “My creative process usually starts with finding inspiration whether from everyday life or online,” she says of her creative process. “I collect materials, colours and little visual details that inspire me. Once I have a mood in mind, I start sketching and refining the composition, adding those soft and feminine touches that define my style.”
All of Hwi’s illustrations featuring a subject — a character present to convey the message or tone she intends to deliver. In Solflora (derived from Latin-based words “sol” meaning sun, and “flora” meaning flowers, a contented woman holds a large sunflower, surrounded by other sunflowers around her. The illustration is completely bathed in golden yellow. “To me, sunflowers symbolise hope and resilience no matter where they are planted, they always find the light,” Hwi explicates. “Nature itself also represents hope to me. In our busy, modern lives, we sometimes forget that we are part of nature, not separate from it.”
She dubs the woman Ms. Mimi: “I portrayed my character Ms. Mimi holding a sunflower, symbolising that hope is something we hold in our own hands. When we reconnect with nature, or simply pause to appreciate it we remind ourselves that hope is always around us, and within us.”
“Solflora” Artwork by Hwi
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.