NIK MOHD SHAHFIZ

Nik Mohd Shahfiz (b. 1993, Kuala Krai, Kelantan) is a Malaysian artist celebrated for his innovative exploration of pop surrealism, merging cultural nostalgia with personal introspection. He earned a Master’s degree in Fine Art & Technology from MARA University of Technology (UiTM), shaping his artistic journey and conceptual depth.

Nik’s work often blends popular culture with dreamlike imagery, characterized by satirical and humorous undertones. His acclaimed Dream+landers series, showcased in the Philippines, featured toys as central subjects, reflecting the cultural trend of adult toy collecting and examining material obsessions through darkly whimsical narratives.

In his latest series, Nik shifts focus inward, exploring his memories and psyche. Inspired by his Kelantanese upbringing—where childhood creativity replaced material luxuries—he incorporates themes of impermanence and Wabi-sabi philosophy. His works depict submerged, weathered subjects in deep-sea settings, juxtaposing iconic characters, marine life, and abstract elements to evoke the uncanny.
Through his art, Nik balances philosophical depth with cultural commentary, leaving a lasting impression as a dynamic figure in contemporary Malaysian art. He is currently based in Selangor, where he continues to push artistic boundaries.

EDUCATIONS

2022

Master in Fine Art & Technology, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA

2015

Bachelor (Hons) in Fine Art, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

2012

Diploma in Fine Art, Faculty of Art & Design
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023

dream+landers, Secret Fresh Gallery, Metro Manila, Philippines

2020

Glitch in Time, Online Solo Exhibition, Cendana Malaysia, Malaysia

2019

G13 Project Room: Factual Glitch by Nik Mohd Shahfiz, G13 Gallery, Malaysia

INTERNATIONAL SHOW / ART FAIRS

2024

CIMB Artober Art & Soul with G13 Gallery, MITEC, Malaysia
CIMB Hotel Art Fair with G13 Gallery, Four Points by Sheraton, Malaysia
Art Formosa with G13 Gallery, Eslite Hotel, Taiwan

2023

Squares, Faculty Projects, Pasig City, Philippines
Luzon Art Fair 2023, Tarlac City, Philippines
CIMB Art & Soul 2023 with G13 Gallery, Malaysia
Art Formosa 2024 with G13 Gallery, Eslite Hotel, Taiwan
Art Hsinchu 2023 with G13 Gallery, Sheraton Hsinchu Hotel, Taiwan
XAVIER ARTFEST 2023, Secret Fresh Gallery, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines.

2022

CIMB Hotel Art Fair 2022, Element Kuala Lumpur with G13 Gallery, Malaysia
The November Show, Pinto Art Musuem, Antipolo Rizal, Philippines

2021

CIMB Hotel Art Fair 2021 with G13 Gallery, Element Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2019

Malaysia Art Expo 2019 with G13 Gallery, Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2018

Soliloquy with The Gallery, Shanghai, China.

2016

Tranquillity in Clamour with The Gallery, Shanghai, China.
Mosaic Art Project, Malaysia Art Expo with HOM Art Trans Gallery, Malaysia.
VICE VERSA, Artemis Art@Galeri Rumah Jati, Bantul Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024

Emerge/Submerge, A Duo Exhibition by Haziq Syawal & Nik Mohd Shahfiz, G13 Gallery, Malaysia

2023

8, Galeri Puteh, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
G13 @ 13, G13 Gallery, Malaysia

2022

J.O. Restart, Exhibition of Post Graduate Fine Art & Technology, UiTM Jalan Othman Campus, Malaysia
Young 2022, HOM Art Trans, Malaysia

2021

Youth Reka: Expand Your Perimeters 2, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Art Aids, Hom Art Trans, Ampang Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Transit 1, Hom Art Trans, Ampang Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Relook 2, Segaris Art Center Gallery Online Exhibition, Solaris Dutamas, Malaysia

2020

Mending Fence: A Tales from an Isolation, G13 Gallery, Malaysia.
FURiends: Portrayals of Cats and Dogs, G13 Gallery, Malaysia.

2019

It’s LIT, Segaris Art Center, Publika, Kl, Malaysia.

2018

Merah Putih Biru Kuning, G13 Gallery, Malaysia.

2017

5 Bintang, Volume 1 with Segaris Art Centre, Malaysia.
Unparalleled Eye Beyond Sight - 2 Person Show, G13 Gallery, Malaysia.
80 Artist 2nd Wave, TAPG The Art People Gallery, Malaysia.
We Are 5, Artemis Art’s Fifth Anniversary Exhibition, Artemis Art Gallery, White Box MAP@Publika, Malaysia.
G13 Gallery 7th Anniversary Show, G13 Gallery, Malaysia.

2016

Contemporary Art In Interfusion and Intergrowth-Discovering Malaysia Contemporary Art
NANDO’s Art Initiative Group Exhibition-Your Art Your Story, Solaris Dutamas, Malaysia.
“See You Later, Mimie”, One Day Farewell Slash Exhibition, Ruang Sementara Gallery, Publika Solaris Dutamas, Malaysia.
Versus Animal #1, ChinaHouse @Penang & HOM Art Trans, Georgetown Penang, Malaysia.
Cerita Kami, Pelita Hati Gallery, Bangsar, Malaysia.
Transit A2, HOM Art Trans & MARS, Malaysia.
Youngsters, HOM Art Trans, Malaysia.

2015

Orbit, Degree Show, FSSR UiTM, Malaysia.
ArtTrio The NIK Brothers Art Group Exhibition, G13 Gallery, Malaysia.
NANDO’S Art Initiative, Art Group Exhibition by The Runners-Up, NANDO’S Art Gallery, Malaysia.

2014

NANDO’S Perify Your Art-Alive, NANDO’S Art Exhibition, Malaysia.

2013

FineArt’s Diploma Show, FSSR UiTM, Malaysia.

2012

Pameran Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia.

AWARDS

2016

Second Runner’s Up Winner, NANDO’s Art Initiative-Your Art Your Story

2014

First Runner’s Up Winner, NANDO’s Perify Your Art-Alive

2012

Department Best Student Award, Fine Art Department UiTM
Best Graduate Award, Pre-Graduation Ceremony, UiTM

I Can Do This All Day (Blue)

Nik Mohd Shahfiz
92 x 92cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

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I Can Do This All Day (Blue)

Nik Mohd Shahfiz
92 x 92cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

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Pink Green - Reflection of Broken Infinity Glass

Nik Mohd Shahfiz
92 x 92cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2022

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Pink Green - Reflection of Broken Infinity Glass

Nik Mohd Shahfiz
92 x 92cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2022

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Keep On Dancing till The World Ends

Nik Mohd Shahfiz
45 x 65cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

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Keep On Dancing till The World Ends

Nik Mohd Shahfiz
45 x 65cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

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Artist Statement

Toys have become a global phenomenon, captivating not only children but also collectors worldwide. The industry, particularly in plastic and vinyl toys, has witnessed a surge in demand, indicating its appeal across different age groups.

The culture of toy collecting has experienced rapid growth over time, and this phenomenon holds significant historical value. In Nik Mohd Shahfiz’s recent works, he portrays iconic Disney character toys such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, as well as the renowned designer toy KAWS, who represents a prominent pop culture icon. Through these artworks, he aims to present a glimpse into the future, envisioning these toys as potential relics.

While civilizations of the past cherished artifacts like the Venus of Willendorf or the Bust of Cleopatra, as a contemporary artist, he finds toys to hold a profound significance. He collects these toys and observes their manufacturing process, witnessing how they transform or deform under the impact of extreme weather conditions. This metamorphosis leads to the creation of intriguing forms. The fluidity and interaction between the toys and their surroundings demonstrate how these “relics” blend harmoniously with the environment, envisioning a scenario where they may one day be buried in sand or submerged beneath the sea.