08 Jul Apperception: Kaleidoscopic Nuances
When a particular talent is in one’s blood, it’s just a matter of time that it manifests itself. Such is the case with Lyia Meta, a self-taught artist who is also a full-time singer, and occasional songwriter. Art has been an important part of Lyia’s life since she was a child, growing up in an artistic family.
Other important pursuits in her life, however, meant that her talent in visual art frequently took a step back, as she proceeded with her studies, started her own family, and later pursued a career in music.
In retrospect, we now know that with visual art being an intrinsic part of Lyia, it was only a matter of time that the visual artist in her would fully emerge and bloom.
Since 2012, the year we first met her, Lyia has frequently exhibited with Artemis Art. She had her first formal group exhibition with Emergence, held at our gallery in November 2012.
Apperception: Kaleidoscopic Nuances is Lyia Meta’s first solo exhibition, featuring a collection of her most recent artworks. Thematically, her works are a visual rendering of what the artist observes and discovers, as she navigates and explores the many facets of life, with imagery rendered in rich textural backdrops, a characteristic signature of Lyia’s artistic style.
Moving away from more literal narratives in her earlier works, towards a deeper exploration of ideas in her more recent art pieces, is a clear indication of Lyia’s continuing growth as an artist. Thematically, multifaceted interpersonal relationships, inner self, and family seem to dominate most strongly. All these themes and ideas find their way to the canvas through nuanced and inspired strokes, delivered through honest introspection and deep ruminations. It would certainly not be an exaggeration to say that every artwork Lyia produces is her very soul reaching out to the world, wanting to be heard.
Apperception: Kaleidoscopic Nuances
(click on any thumbnail below to view larger image)
The exhibition begins its run on Saturday, July 12, 2014 and continues until Saturday, August 9, 2014.
In honor of the artist’s debut solo exhibition, an opening reception will be held at 6pm on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Artemis Art. Officiating the exhibition will be award-winning publisher and writer Bernice Narayanan. Her book, Mystical Malaysia was twice named as Best Travel Publication, and the author herself won awards twice for being Best Travel Writer, all awarded by the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.
Bernice has also written works of fiction, both for adults and children, as well as biographical works covering well-known political personalities such as former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and former MIC president Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu. She is currently the Managing Director for BN Communication Sdn Bhd, a boutique communications consultancy in publishing, public relations and events.
We have watched Lyia’s progression over the last couple of years as an artist, and we can safely say that she has certainly shown marked improvement. We congratulate Lyia on her debut solo exhibition, and we’re certain that with determination and passion, two attributes this artist has in abundance, her career as a visual artist will take her far.
Update: A Feature in The Malay Mail (Life section, Thursday, July 10, 2014)
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