Noor Zahran
Born 1996, Malaysian
Noor Zahran is a Malaysian artist based in Selangor who pursued his studies in Creative Media Digital at KPM Indera Mahkota. He possesses a diverse range of artistic skills, including drawing, painting, photography, 3D compositing, and cinematography.
His artworks have been showcased in notable group exhibitions, including the MEAA Showcase at LimKokWing University (2023), Lembaran at Artas Galeri (2023), Simulacrum at Zhan Art Space (2022), and Local Only at TAKSU Gallery (2021).
He was awarded the Highly Commended Award in the Emerging Artist Category by the UOB Painting of the Year in 2023 and won the Malaysia Emerging Artist Award (MEAA) in 2022. His artistic style encompasses both realism and surrealism, with a focus on figurative and still life subjects. He primarily works with ink as his medium of choice, utilizing its versatility to create intricate and compelling artwork.
AWARDS
Highly Commended Award in the Emerging Artist Category by UOB Painting of the Year
Winner in Malaysia Emerging Artist Award 2022 MEAA by MEA Management
The Best 13 Artist in Malaysia Emerging Artist Award 2022 MEAA by MEA Management
Jury’s Pick Winners in Art Against AIDS 2021 by Karex Berhad
Winner in Biodiversity Drawing Competition by Veolia Water Technologies
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Urban Narratives @ Yap Ah Shak House, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
The Palette Project, GMBB, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
CIMB Artober Art & Soul with G13 Gallery, MITEC, Malaysia
Art Bazaar 2023 - Apa Khabar?, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
13th UOB Painting of the Year Malaysia Winners' Showcase, GMBB, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Tafsir Semula, Rumah Tangsi, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
MEAA Showcase 2023, LimKokWing University, Cyberjaya, Selangor
Lembaran, Artas Galeri, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Turun Tanah - PART 2 , Galeri Puteh, KL Eco City Mall, Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Artfair, Element Kuala Lumpur, IB Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Emerging Artist Award 2022, GLO Damansara, Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Simulacrum, Zhan Art Space, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Portraits: Familiar Faces, Greydea Studio, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
VIRTUE(AL) 3.0, ARTO Movement, Online Exhibition
Art Open 2022, HOM Art Trans, Ampang, Selangor
Art Against AIDS 2021, Segaris Art Centre, Publika, Kuala Lumpur
Artaidartist, Chetak 12, Online Exhibition
VIRTUE(AL) 2.0, ARTO Movement, Online Exhibition
MYTOWNKL x RANTAI ART: "INTO THE ART, Rantai Art, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Local Only, TAKSU Gallery, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur
KISAH, Greydea Studio, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
XS, Galeri Titikmerah, Publika, Kuala Lumpur
AK Fury 47
Noor Zahran
82 x 132cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
AK Fury 47″ features a white rifle with a glass magazine filled with angry emojis, symbolizing the emotional ammunition of cyberbullying. The rifle’s stark, impersonal design reflects the cold nature of online platforms. This piece explores the devastating impact of anonymous online aggression, where even trivial symbols like emojis can cause real harm. “AK Fury 47” is a commentary on the hidden violence of the digital world, urging reflection on the emotional toll of cyberbullying in modern society.
Artificial Infusion
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
“Artificial Infusion” explores the symbiotic relationship between humanity and technology. A floating cup pours a stream of glowing liquid into an open book, symbolizing the flow of knowledge from digital realms into human intellect. The piece questions the boundaries of artificial and organic wisdom, highlighting our growing reliance on technology for enlightenment and growth. Through this visual metaphor, the art invites contemplation on the evolving nature of learning and the essence of intelligence in the digital age.
Between Caution and Routine
Noor Zahran
55.5 x 79.5cm
Pencil on Paper
2025
In February 2020, in front of Bank Simpanan Nasional, Lebuh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, the city was already shifting. The early presence of COVID-19 had begun to reshape daily life. Face masks were not yet mandatory, but caution was in the air.
People moved through familiar spaces with quiet awareness, their routines subtly altered. Public areas remained active, yet interactions grew more restrained. What once felt effortless now carried a sense of hesitation. Today, that vigilance lingers, shaping how individuals navigate shared environments.
Between Caution and Routine
Noor Zahran
55.5 x 79.5cm
Pencil on Paper
2025
In February 2020, in front of Bank Simpanan Nasional, Lebuh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, the city was already shifting. The early presence of COVID-19 had begun to reshape daily life. Face masks were not yet mandatory, but caution was in the air.
People moved through familiar spaces with quiet awareness, their routines subtly altered. Public areas remained active, yet interactions grew more restrained. What once felt effortless now carried a sense of hesitation. Today, that vigilance lingers, shaping how individuals navigate shared environments.
Beyond the Numbers
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
The artwork “Beyond the Numbers” portrays Super Mario resting wearily against a sack of blue numbers, symbols of the endless digital data we often chase—likes, followers, and shares. This piece sheds light on the toll of constant pursuit for online validation, reminding viewers of the importance of balance and genuine self-worth. Mario’s fatigue encourages us to pause and reflect on our own digital habits, guiding us to seek meaning beyond superficial metrics. The artwork calls for a return to authentic connections and inner fulfillment, prompting a reassessment of what truly brings value to our lives.
Cup of Hope
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
The work features a delicate paper boat sailing in a teacup, symbolizing resilience and hope in navigating life’s challenges within the confined space of the digital world. The teacup reflects the boundaries set by digital media, while the boat represents the enduring human spirit, striving for unity and freedom despite these obstacles. This artwork speaks to the power of optimism and perseverance in a world shaped by digital connections.
Draining Sparkle
Noor Zahran
82 x 132cm
Ink on Paper
2024
The artwork captures the fleeting nature of internet fame through the metaphor of stars contained within a glass battery. The artwork is filled with blue stars, symbolizing individuals whose initial brilliance fades as they become forgotten in the fast-paced, ever-changing digital landscape. A few white stars stand out, representing the rare instances where someone momentarily remains in the spotlight, only to be overshadowed by the inevitable loss of relevance. The glass battery, a vessel meant to contain energy, symbolizes the limits of attention and recognition, constantly draining as one’s spark diminishes. This piece reflects on the transient nature of digital fame and the emotional toll it takes as one strives to stay visible in an oversaturated world.
Draining Sparkle
Noor Zahran
82 x 132cm
Ink on Paper
2024
The artwork captures the fleeting nature of internet fame through the metaphor of stars contained within a glass battery. The artwork is filled with blue stars, symbolizing individuals whose initial brilliance fades as they become forgotten in the fast-paced, ever-changing digital landscape. A few white stars stand out, representing the rare instances where someone momentarily remains in the spotlight, only to be overshadowed by the inevitable loss of relevance. The glass battery, a vessel meant to contain energy, symbolizes the limits of attention and recognition, constantly draining as one’s spark diminishes. This piece reflects on the transient nature of digital fame and the emotional toll it takes as one strives to stay visible in an oversaturated world.
Heart of Steel
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
The artwork captures the unsettling potential of AI designed to simulate human emotions. The robot holding a love balloon symbolizes the promise of empathetic machines. Yet, this vision carries hidden dangers: emotional manipulation, privacy invasions, ethical dilemmas, and the erosion of genuine human connections. As we edge closer to creating AI that can ‘feel,’ we must confront the profound implications and ensure these technologies are developed with caution and responsibility. Let this piece be a poignant reminder to balance innovation with the protection of our humanity.
Infinite Loop
Noor Zahran
82 x 132cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
The artwork captures the endless cycle of digital scrolling, where users become lost in a never-ending flow of content. Mickey Mouse, depicted with a lively, determined posture, running atop a smartphone, symbolizes our constant search for more—more posts, more updates, more distractions. His iconic and playful nature contrasts with the overwhelming digital space, emphasizing how even nostalgic figures can be trapped in this loop. This artwork critiques the design of digital platforms that keep us engaged, often pulling us further away from the present. By portraying this infinite loop, the piece invites viewers to reflect on their online habits and consider the impact of constantly chasing the next piece of content in an endless digital stream.
Never Enough
Noor Zahran
82 x 132cm
Ink on Paper
2024
The artwork explores the paradox of modern connectivity through a symbolic juxtaposition of pencils within a cigarette box. In a society saturated with digital platforms, the artwork challenges the notion of fulfilment derived from constant online engagement. The pencils, traditionally tools of creation and communication, are confined within the constraints of a familiar vice, highlighting the addictive nature of social networking platforms consumption. As individuals incessantly seek validation and connection through their devices, the piece prompts reflection on the insatiable desire for virtual validation and the potential loss of authentic human connection. Through this poignant visual metaphor, "Never Enough" invites viewers to contemplate the balance between digital connectivity and genuine human interaction in today's hyper-connected world.
Never Enough
Noor Zahran
82 x 132cm
Ink on Paper
2024
The artwork explores the paradox of modern connectivity through a symbolic juxtaposition of pencils within a cigarette box. In a society saturated with digital platforms, the artwork challenges the notion of fulfilment derived from constant online engagement. The pencils, traditionally tools of creation and communication, are confined within the constraints of a familiar vice, highlighting the addictive nature of social networking platforms consumption. As individuals incessantly seek validation and connection through their devices, the piece prompts reflection on the insatiable desire for virtual validation and the potential loss of authentic human connection. Through this poignant visual metaphor, "Never Enough" invites viewers to contemplate the balance between digital connectivity and genuine human interaction in today's hyper-connected world.
Purchasing for Protection
Noor Zahran
55 x 79.5cm
Pencil on Paper
2025
This photograph, taken on February 1, 2020, in front of ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur, captures a moment that, at the time, felt ordinary, a woman buying a facemask before masks became a daily necessity. Back then, during my lunchtime walks around Bukit Bintang, the city still moved at its usual pace, unaware of how drastically things would shift.
Looking at this image today, it speaks to how cities and communities adapt over time. What was once a rare sight has now become second nature. The way we navigate public spaces, interact with one another, and incorporate new habits into our daily lives reflects the evolving nature of urban society. From digital transactions to redefined work cultures and shifting social dynamics, we have reshaped our routines to align with new realities. This photograph is a quiet reflection of that shift, how small actions eventually weave into the fabric of our cities, shaping the way we live, connect, and move forward together.
Purchasing for Protection
Noor Zahran
55 x 79.5cm
Pencil on Paper
2025
This photograph, taken on February 1, 2020, in front of ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur, captures a moment that, at the time, felt ordinary, a woman buying a facemask before masks became a daily necessity. Back then, during my lunchtime walks around Bukit Bintang, the city still moved at its usual pace, unaware of how drastically things would shift.
Looking at this image today, it speaks to how cities and communities adapt over time. What was once a rare sight has now become second nature. The way we navigate public spaces, interact with one another, and incorporate new habits into our daily lives reflects the evolving nature of urban society. From digital transactions to redefined work cultures and shifting social dynamics, we have reshaped our routines to align with new realities. This photograph is a quiet reflection of that shift, how small actions eventually weave into the fabric of our cities, shaping the way we live, connect, and move forward together.
Resilient Globe
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
"Resilient Globe" portrays a globe filled with sad emojis, encased in a glass of happy emojis, symbolizing the dual reality of social media. The outer layer of happy emojis reflects the polished, joyful facade often presented online, while the sad emojis within represent the hidden emotional struggles many faces beneath the surface. This artwork explores how social media can mask true feelings, creating a disconnect between appearance and reality. "Resilient Globe" invites viewers to reflect on the contrast between curated online personas and the inner emotional challenges that remain unseen in the digital world.
Resilient Globe
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
"Resilient Globe" portrays a globe filled with sad emojis, encased in a glass of happy emojis, symbolizing the dual reality of social media. The outer layer of happy emojis reflects the polished, joyful facade often presented online, while the sad emojis within represent the hidden emotional struggles many faces beneath the surface. This artwork explores how social media can mask true feelings, creating a disconnect between appearance and reality. "Resilient Globe" invites viewers to reflect on the contrast between curated online personas and the inner emotional challenges that remain unseen in the digital world.
Touch of Isolation
Noor Zahran
59 x 59cm
Ink on Paper
2024
Artist Statement
The artwork features a Pokeball with a handprint, symbolizing the personal impact of digitized communication. The handprint represents the individual’s touch on technology and its potential to influence and control. By focusing on one Pokeball, the artwork highlights the intimate yet powerful connection between people and their digital devices. It prompts reflection on the consequences of unrestrained digital access, such as misinformation and online harassment. This piece serves as a visual commentary on the challenges of technology overuse and the necessity for responsible engagement in the digital age.
Urban Narratives
28 Feb - 11 Mar 2025
CIMB ARTOBER ART & SOUL 2024
25 - 27 OCTOBER 2024
