Undulating lines that appear like folds on a fabric, bold strokes of black interspersed with splashes of gold––these are just some of the striking artworks and pieces by 32-year-old abstract sculptor Nadiah Yan, who is fully booked for commissioned pieces till August. No matter your personal feelings about contemporary art, her works would easily fit in a swanky hotel or a gallery, and people are quickly taking notice.
Even though the Shah Alam native only transitioned to become a full-time artist last year, she has impressively and rapidly garnered a steady portfolio of clients. This includes those from Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia as well as some Instagram home influencers.
What's even more impressive, Nadiah never received any formal education in sculpting or art—or any other form of formal education after SPM.
"I actually tried to continue my studies after SPM but the eagerness to work and earn my own money was more exciting at the time," she said. She mentioned that she went to 2 different colleges to pursue a degree in Business but dropped out due to a lack of interest.
She did however, have a strong interest Nadiah has always been a fan of European abstract sculpture artists. Nadiah spoke to Rojak Daily about how she swapped professions from being a marketing manager of her family F&B business and how she got interested in art.
Getting Started
“After the pandemic, I visited a nearby art store to purchase a new canvas for my living room and the experience ignited a newfound appreciation for sculptures within me. I spent several months experimenting with various materials and techniques until I discovered the perfect recipe for my own unique artwork. It has been an exhilarating journey, and I am pleased to share that I have sold 108 pieces of my work to date including my signature creations which have been mostly acquired by international collectors,” she said.
Nadiah currently received commissions for new pieces on her Instagram page Zudio Art where potential buyers can view her pieces. Besides private collectors, Nadiah’s work has also been featured in the American online gallery Saatchi Art (not to be confused with the gallery in London) with all five of her artworks currently listed on the website already sold out.
While others may spend years on formal art education, Nadiah discloses that she pursued a self-taught path for several reasons. “It allowed me the freedom to explore my own artistic instincts and develop a unique style. I immersed myself in books, online resources, and documentaries on sculpture, studying the techniques and philosophies of renowned artists,” she said.
She elaborated, “One artist I admire is Alberto Giacometti, a Swiss sculptor known for his elongated and distorted human figures. His ability to capture the essence of the human form in a minimal and abstract manner is genuinely inspiring.”
Teaching herself the art of abstract sculpture was a journey of exploration and experimentation. “I began by working with basic materials like clay and plaster of Paris, gradually moving on to more complex mediums such as wood and gypsum, which is similar to concrete. I have spent months perfecting the right ratio of these materials through trial and error, which has been invaluable in refining my techniques.”
“Each material presented its own challenges and opportunities for creativity. I practised observing the world around me, studying the interplay of shapes, forms, and textures in nature and in man-made structures. This deepened my understanding of the fundamental principles of sculpture and helped me develop my own artistic language.”
The Process
Nadiah currently resides in a one-bedroom 850 sq ft apartment, which doubles as her workspace. She turned her designated area for shoes into an art corner which is currently filled with art supplies.
She detailed her creative process saying, “On an average day in my studio, right after my morning coffee and breakfast, I start by cleaning the space. How the studio looks really changes drastically from day to day depending on the projects that I'm working on. It's almost like a living organism that fills and empties itself, that breathes. It helps me to think clearer and be able to visualise where or how my movements are.”
She continued, “Then, I proceed with my creative session and work on a maximum of two artworks at a time in a day, giving each one the time it deserves to become a masterpiece. I limit myself to six commissioned artworks per month and save the rest for the following months. I truly appreciate the fact that collectors are understanding when a project takes longer than anticipated sometimes.”
As an artist, Nadiah sees the world in a unique way and gets her inspiration from her daily life in the city. “There's nothing quite like watching a beautiful sunset from my studio and seeing how the colours and shapes blend together. When I'm out and about, I can't help but imagine how the buildings and textures would look on canvas. I always choose compositions that fit my vision. Nature is also a big inspiration for me, and I love browsing interior design and architecture pages online and in magazines. There are also so many amazing European artists who inspire me, but it's hard to name them all!” she exclaimed.
Challenges
Being an artist comes is not an easy path as it comes with its own set of challenges. “Creating something that is both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating can be a daunting task. Some may criticize the work, claiming that it appears unimpressive and that even a child could have created it. However, beauty is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate it in the same way,” Nadiah reflects.
Besides the critics, our Malaysian climate poses a conundrum too, “I've been facing a challenge while working on my project––figuring out the perfect room temperature. It's crucial because the materials I'm using have a limited working time per batch. If the temperature isn't just right, the material may crack easily when it dries in the hot sun. And if the room is too humid, it can weaken the structure of the sculpture. It's a bit tricky, but I'm determined to get it right!”
The Beauty of Abstract Art
Whether you’re a contemporary art sceptic or an admirer of Nadiah’s work, she said,” I strive to show people the beauty of abstract sculpture art. It's not just about creating statues, but any handcrafted shape that the artist desires can be appreciated equally. My goal is for people to understand and appreciate my skills, especially the thrill and suspense behind the scenes.”
She went on, “For example, my signature artwork ‘Faith’ was created without a clear vision, as the collector requested something different from my usual style. Despite procrastinating for two weeks, I held on to ‘faith’ and believed in myself, resulting in an amazing piece that has become my most requested artwork to date. I hope that my work inspires others and encourages them to believe in themselves as well. Hopefully, I will be able to convey more of my story into my artwork in the future.”
Future Plans
She is currently working on a new project with UEM Sunrise, a leading property developer, where her artworks will be featured at their Kaia Heights show unit in Seri Kembangan. “This allows potential collectors to envision how the pieces would look in their own homes and presents an excellent opportunity for my followers to view and purchase my work in person.”
Nadiah excitedly shares that she will be opening a physical studio for Zudio Art in Kuala Lumpur, “My main priority now is to create a workspace that is conducive to producing more of my signature art pieces. My ultimate goal is to attract an audience that appreciates the story behind my artwork. It would be a dream come true for me to become a resident artist for major hotels and showcase my work in a local gallery. Who knows? Perhaps this dream will soon become a reality.”
We have no doubt that it will!
Follow Nadiah Yan and Zudio Art on Instagram.