Colours of the Heart

Artist Tunku Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah unveils her first-ever inaugural solo exhibition and tells us the stories behind her whimsical, colourful creations, set alight ‘By The Illumination of The Moon’

- Koyyi Chin

Evocative and expressive, Johor princess Tunku Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah’s work is multifaceted as she takes care to mix medias that provoke one’s senses; from sound, light as well as colour, the artist’s illustrations take on a surreal quality. Bestowed an honorary doctorate in creative leadership from Limkokwing University, the interior architecture degree holder is clear in her passionate advocacy for the arts as she is also one of the trustees of the Sultan Iskandar Johor Foundation, which supports underprivileged postgraduates in their endeavours.

How did your passion for art come about?

I was born with a pen and paper in hand! Art is in my blood. My late mother, Her Royal Highness Enche’ Besar Khalsom Abdullah was an artist and the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor was a very creative person. Their unconditional support was what drove my passion for the arts.

And what is art to you?

It’s a way of amplifying the moment—one evolves through being different; from who they were the day before, to trying new things and embracing change with an open mind as well as an open heart. It’s a form of evolution. It pushes and challenges the spirit to attempt the unknown, and sparks curiosity to peek behind the veil so as to realise one’s dream.

Having been a long-time advocate for the arts, how has the art industry changed for you?