Anisa Abdullah

Born 1985, Malaysia

Anisa Abdullah (b. 1985, Malaysia) is a contemporary artist known for her intricate paper collages made from thousands of cut fragments. Initially trained in painting, she found her voice in collage, capturing scenes of Malaysian life, nature and urban landscapes. Her practice gained momentum after a residency in Yogyakarta (2012), followed by her first solo show Cebis-Cebis (2013). International exposure through art fairs in Shanghai, Bangkok and the Philippines expanded her reach. Her 2023 solo exhibition Gemersik marked a personal and artistic evolution, establishing Anisa as a prominent voice in Malaysia’s contemporary art scene.

EDUCATION

2010

Bachelor (Hons.) Fine Art, Majoring in Painting, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor

2008

Diploma in Fine Art, IKIP College Kuantan, Pahang

2004

Certificate in Fine Art, PERZIM, Melaka

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023

Gemersik, Galeri Chandan, Malaysia

2013

Cebis-Cebis, Anisa Abdullah, Galeri Chandan, Malaysia

INTERNATIONAL SHOWS/ART FAIRS

2025

Art Moments Jakarta with G13 Gallery, Agora Exhibition Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia
CIMB Artober Art & Soul with G13 Gallery, MITEC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2024

CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2024 with G13 Gallery, MITEC, Malaysia

2023

Modern and Contemporary Art Festival with Artemis Art, Philippines

2021

CIMB Artober Hotel Art Fair with G13 Gallery, Malaysia

2019

Art Bangkok 2019 with Core Design Gallery, Taiwan
Art Taichung 2019 with Core Design Gallery, Taiwan

2018

Art Expo Malaysia Plus 2018 with G13 Gallery, Matrade, Malaysia

2016

Art Expo with Segaris Art Centre, Matrade, Malaysia

2014

Art Expo with Segaris Art Centre, Matrade, Malaysia
Shanghai Art Fair with Wei Ling Gallery, Shanghai, China
Young Guns, Singapore edition with Chan Hampe Gallery, Singapore

2013

Art Expo Malaysia 2013 with Segaris Art Centre, MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre, Malaysia

2012

NAFA'S Residensi Showcase Cycle One 2012, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025

Urban Narratives @ Yap Ah Shak House, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
Celebrating Diversity: Consuming Culture, Constructing Identity, G13 Gallery, Malaysia

2024

New Malaysian Paintings, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
18@8 pLAy, Weiling Gallery, Malaysia

2023

G13@13, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
Eclectic, Segaris Art Center, Malaysia
The Artist’s Studio: Exploring the Workspace of 17 Malaysian Artists, G13 Gallery, Malaysia

2021

Transit 1x1, HOM Art Trans, Malaysia

2020

SEDEKAD, G13: 10th Year Anniversary Exhibition, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
COV-ART19: Fasa 2, Pameran Amal Seni (Maya), RUSSEL, Malaysia
1 Meter Apart, Core Design Gallery, Malaysia

2019

Mihrab, Segaris Art Center, Publika, KL, Malaysia
In Sync: Artist Couples, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
Neo Baroque: A Malaysian Reinterpretation, Core Design Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2018

Bintang 5, Segaris Art Center, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Transit 3x3, Hom Art Trans, Malaysia
Y Canvas with Core Design Gallery, Malaysia
Mother and Child with Nadine Fine Art, Malaysia
‘Immaterial; a Compilation of the Unconventionals’ with G13 Gallery, Malaysia

2017

Transit A1 with Hom Art Trans, Malaysia
Sensation with Segaris Art Centre, Malaysia

2016

De/ Corum with Chandan Gallery, Malaysia
Sayang Seni 1.0, Wisma MCA
Transit A2 with Hom Art Trans, Malaysia

2015

Spice Select Yogjakarta with Pace Gallery, Malaysia
Melukis Puisi, Whitebox, MAP Malaysia
Extreme Potrait with Chandan Gallery, Malaysia

2014

The Good Malaysian Woman, Black Box Publika, Malaysia
Pulpa, with Galeri Chandan, Malaysia
Pieces of me, art charity show, White Box, Malaysia

2013

SEKAKI with Segaris Art Center, Publika, Malaysia
Love Measurements with Wei-Ling Gallery, Malaysia
Suarasa 2 with Segaris Art Center, Malaysia
Zain Azhari’s Favourite with The Edge Gallerie, Malaysia
Young Guns, House of Matahati, Malaysia
Charity art show (typhoon Haiyan), White box, Publika, Malaysia

2012

Independent Art-Space & Management (I AM)
POPUP with House of Matahati, Malaysia
Reminisces Two Men Show with RA Fine Arts, Malaysia
Locals Only with Taksu, Malaysia
An Environmental Art Show, Puncak Art Gallery, Malaysia
Young Art Exhibition with RA Fine Arts, Malaysia

2011

MEAA (Malaysian Emerging Artist Award) with HOM, Galeri Chandan & Soka Gakkai Malaysia
New Young Contemporary Art Show with Pace Gallery, Malaysia
Kalimah with Galeri Chandan, Malaysia
Anniversary Show with Pace Gallery, Malaysia
Signs, Symbols and Icon (Pameran 3 Artis) with Galeri Chandan, Malaysia
Electic Magnetic with RA Fine Arts, Malaysia
Pulp Friction with Galeri Chandan, Malaysia
Private Affairs with Galeri Chandan, Malaysia
LiFest, MAP@Publika, Malaysia

2010

Dis-Chromatic with Small Talk with the Moon, Malaysia
Expressions of Malayan Tiger with Galeri Seni, Menara Maybank, Malaysia
Open Show 2010 with Galeri Shah Alam, Malaysia
Con/Form with Three Sixty Art Development Studio, Desa Park City, Malaysia
LOAD with Galeri Tengku Nurzahirah (FSSR), UiTM, Malaysia
Nando’s, kicking off with Art & Soul, One Utama Shopping Centre, Damansara Utama,Malaysia

2009

Young Art with RA Fine Arts, Malaysia
V-Show with Three Sixty Art Development Studio, Desa Park City, Malaysia
Open Show with Galeri Shah Alam, Malaysia

2008

Diploma Show with IKIP College, Kuantan, Pahang

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2011

Finalist MEAA (Malaysian Emerging Artist Award) Galeri Chandan, HOM & Soka Gakkai Malaysia

2010

Consolation Prize, Tiger Expression, Galeri Seni Maybank

2009

Incentive award, Open Show Shah Alam, Gallery Shah Alam

RESIDENCY

2012

NAFA Residency, Indonesia

COLLECTION

GDP architecture, Kuala Lumpur
DBKL, Kuala Lumpur
Scomi, Kuala Lumpur
(DYMM) Sultan Selangor

'Dari Sungai ke Segara' (From the River to the Sea)

Anisa Abdullah
91 x 91 cm
Paper Collage on Canvas
2024
Kemerdekaan Malaysia was not realised without the struggles of the past. As we celebrate our independence, this artwork reminds us that unity and freedom are hard-earned and must be continuously protected. Our celebration isn’t blind to the struggles faced by others around the world; instead, it reflects the values we share, peace, justice and the strength of community. It stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of what our nation has achieved and what we must continue to uphold.
The artwork enriches the narrative of Merdeka Month, showing that our celebration of unity isn't blind to global struggles. Instead, it reinforces the idea that freedom and peace are not to be taken for granted and that Malaysians stand in solidarity with all who seek them.

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'Dari Sungai ke Segara' (From the River to the Sea)

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Diskusi Senja

Anisa Abdullah
92 x 152.5cm
Paper Collage on Canvas
2025

Diskusi Senja is a painting inspired by conversations about art and daily life, held in the evenings as moments of reflection, learning, and inspiration.
The discussion explores the West and the East (Malaya) from various angles, including culture, beliefs, and ideas, embracing both perspectives in daily life. The mangkuk bertingkat (tiffin carrier) serves as a visual metaphor, symbolizing the merging of these two worlds in an accessible and meaningful way.
This work also reflects the influence of Frida Kahlo, an artist known for her deep connection to identity and heritage. At its core, Diskusi Senja highlights the importance of remembering one’s roots, preserving traditions, and valuing the richness of cultural heritage.

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