The ‘accidental artist’ with a thousand lives

Habsah, a Malaysian artist, will feature in Germany’s Berlin Art Week and the Festival eXoplanet next year, supported by the Steinbeis Foundation. She identifies as an ‘accidental artist,’ as her creative journey began unexpectedly after a career in mathematics, technology, and urban regeneration. One of her most notable contributions was transforming Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market into a cultural hub in 1987, blending arts and Malaysian cuisine. Her artistic path took a turn in 2000 when she entered fashion through a collaboration with her sister, Tom Abang Saufi, working with textiles and batik. Personal struggles, including divorce and the loss of family members, later pushed her toward painting as a form of refuge. Her work avoids rigid categorization, often depicting movement, relationships, and societal pressures, with fish as a recurring motif representing the struggles of modern life, particularly among young people. Born in Kuching, Sarawak, Habsah’s early life was shaped by simple, community-centered entertainment, such as black-and-white movie screenings on badminton courts and family picnics by rivers and beaches. These roots remain influential, though subtly woven into her art. Beyond painting, she has become an active curator, fostering opportunities for fellow artists through exhibitions and collaborations. Next year’s exhibition in Germany will include Habsah alongside artists like Lee Cheow Hee, Daeng Ramli Akil, Tian Chua, James Yip, and Siva Nair. For her, the focus is on sharing ideas and growth rather than mere showcase. Her artistic identity remains fluid, embracing labels like conservation advocate and storyteller, with the Malaysian word *‘hanyut’*—meaning drifting or flowing—best capturing her journey. Habsah’s work reflects her diverse experiences, from urban regeneration to personal loss, all channeled into visual expression. The upcoming exhibition underscores her commitment to artistic dialogue, positioning her as a bridge between Malaysian and international creative communities.