The gallery is transformed into a garden scene, filled with flora-inspired works 

by INTAN BAHA 

LOCAL multi-disciplinary artist Miriam Omar is holding her first-ever solo exhibition — “Daydreams” — inspired by her love for landscapes, nature and vibrant colours. 

Having established herself back in 2018 as a multi-disciplinary artist and launching her own brand Project MIRRO, the exhibition was first conceptualised by Miriam amid the Covid-19 Movement Control Orders as a way of coping with her anxieties and struggles. 

An escape from her loneliness, boredom and hardships, “Daydreams” began to manifest as a culmination of places that she wanted to visit, emotions she wanted to feel and people she wanted to meet. 

“Daydreams is a long time coming. I created these artworks as a coping mechanism to heal and cleanse my spirit from the stress and anxiety that was accumulated throughout the height of Covid-19. 

“I hope that my artwork not only highlights the importance of self-care and self-love in times of turbulence and uncertainty but also, the need to act on them as well,” shared Miriam. 

Taking place at ZHAN Art | Space in Petaling Jaya, the exhibition was officially launched by Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, with Raja Puan Muda of Kedah Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff and their children in attendance. 

“Daydreams” comprises over 16 unique artworks exploring the themes of distorted memories, imagination and daydreams, which blur the lines between reality and imagination. 

The exhibition also showcases some of Miriam’s published and unpublished quotes from @mirronotes with themes surrounding the idea of love, growth, rest and boundaries. @mirronotes was also created during the lockdown as a fun project to share snippets of her thoughts which grew into a huge following online. 

ZHAN Art | Space founder and curator Desmond Tong said: “We are excited to showcase the works of Miriam. Miriam’s exhibition showcases her resilience as an artist by translating her anxiety and stress onto canvas. Not only are her works vibrant, fun and imaginative, but they also emanate a strong sense of positive vibes.” 

“Daydreams” takes place from Dec 7, 2022, to Jan 7, 2023. It features paintings and textile artworks with prices ranging from RM395 to RM8,900. 

Exclusive merchandises are also available for sale during the exhibition, including Mirro’s Garden Journal priced at RM138, which is a wire-bound notebook made in collaboration with anatomy and ZHAN Art | Space. 

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition