Un/Hidden Identities: Painting Lives

Artist Statement

The heart of the hearth depicts the essence of a harmonious dining table in the transgender home. This cherished space serves as an epicentre of daily gatherings, where the residents joyfully convene three times a day to share breakfast, lunch and dinner as one united family. It is also a haven for jubilant birthday and festival celebrations which large crowds of guests are warmly invited to partake in. The conversation occurs during these cherished dining moments, radiating a sense of homey comfort that genuinely embodies the heart of the house. A tapestry of diversity unfolds, depicting transgender individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds harmoniously seated together savouring meals. The vibrant canvas showcases the cherished values of a family and a community, as unity and solidarity bind these diverse souls in a heartwarming embrace.

Artist Statement

Kitty, an Indian Tamil adorns the canvas with her presence, depicted as a confident and elegant dancer. Her hands gently lean against the wall, poised in a captivating stance. Standing in a stunning purple-pink sari, the attire she wears while performing traditional Indian dance, she exudes grace and beauty. As the painting unfolds, Kitty’s eyes show a self-assured gaze, radiating confidence and pride. The portrayal captures the essence of a strong and empowered trans woman, embracing her identity and owning her presence with utmost poise. The artist captures Kitty’s inner strength, highlighting the beauty of her heritage and the richness of her art form. The striking representation is not just a figurative painting but a celebration of diversity and the empowerment of the transgender community.

Artist Statement

“Bunga Seraya” is captured in a state of undress, her legs elegantly crossed, embodying a poised and reserved posture. Interestingly, during our conversations while painting, she herself proposed this seated pose, sharing that it is a natural stance she often assumes after a shower while awaiting her clients as an escort. The deliberate choice of the crossed-leg position subtly hints at her identity and profession, creating a layered narrative within the artwork.

Artist Statement

Zila embraces her identity with grace and confidence. Her natural splendor, painted nude was depicted with graceful curves that celebrate the beauty of womanhood. The artist lovingly brings forth the essence of femininity to the sitter’s voluptuous bosom and the gentle curvature of her captivating silhouette. In the midst of painting, she occasionally pauses, allowing moments of tranquillity to retouch her makeup with a delicate lip pen and a touch of powder brush. The canvas shows a celebration of self-expression and empowerment as a transgender woman. It stands as a testament to the beauty of embracing one’s true self, a powerful tribute to the boundless beauty that lies in every soul daring to be unapologetically, and beautifully authentic.

Artist Statement

“The Lady of Resilience” is a non-figurative painting, that serves as an emblematic symbol of my debut creation within the transgender home. A tranquil backyard garden unfolds a captivating narrative, infused with profound symbolism and raw emotion. The thorny cacti stand tall, symbolizing the formidable barriers and societal rejection that the transgender community confronts. Despite these challenges, a graceful orchid – the dancing lady emerges, mirroring the strength and beauty that the transgender community embodies in the face of adversity. Each sprouting bud signifies their collective determination to stand strong, undeterred by societal repudiation. The exquisite orchids, nurtured by the caring hands of the resident “Bunga Berduri”, received devoted attention and tender care, embodying the unwavering resilience that defines the transgender community.

Artist Statement

The sitter behind “Mangaaiyarkanni” embodies the gender fluid characteristics found in some transgender women. The painting represents the unique beauty of each gender-diverse individual. There is no stereotypical view for a transgender and every transition is beautiful. For this sitter, she insisted on having her necklace painted which is a symbol of marriage. A gift from her fiancee representing getting wed from the India-Tamil culture. Unlike many transgender women, “M” is comfortable in revealing her genitals, though subtle, but her insecurities lie in exposing her breasts. This is why she insists on posing with a bra on. A portraiture that exposes perfect imperfections, etching sorrows and battles onto her countenance, yet she is posing with pride, embracing her beauty without reservation.

Artist Statement

The kitchen in the transgender home becomes a canvas where love blooms and bonds are strengthened among the transgender community. With passionate dedication, the residents join hands to create delectable Muruku crackers, a symbol of their unity. At the heart of the scene stands Kak Sunstra, the nurturing coordinator, skillfully deep-frying the batter whilst the other residents meticulously pack the crackers for sale. This act of culinary artistry serves a greater purpose, funding essential utilities like electricity and water for the house they call home. Amidst the aroma of spices, the true essence of family emerges. Kak Sunstra effortlessly balances her role as a leader, guiding the residents with love and care, simultaneously preparing the rich Belacan, pounded with precision in a mortar and pestle. Sitting on the countertop, a man diligently slices vegetables, revealing a shared commitment to supporting one another in the culinary process. The scene exudes warmth and love, painting a vivid picture of a closely-knit community where compassion and togetherness thrive. Each step symbolizes the power of collective efforts and the beauty of communal harmony. In this kitchen, the bonds of love and family values are vividly displayed, creating a heartwarming and inspiring masterpiece.

Artist Statement

This painting holds a special place in Sack’s heart as he believes it captures her sorrows and struggles, and in some special way, connects them both as Malaysians who continuously strive to make meaning of their existence in the world despite their everyday vicissitudes.

Artist Statement

“Romaan & Heer” is an exquisite painting that beautifully portrays a couple, embodying the essence of a trans woman and a trans man. Together, they form a harmonious union, which emphasizes that they are indeed a man and a woman, and as such, an ideal couple. The couple is Pakistanis who have received the UN card after their nearly year-long stay in Malaysia. Now, they are free to leave Pakistan whenever they choose to. The painting seeks to break free from stereotypes and embrace the simple truth that their love is just as genuine as any other relationship. The artwork serves as a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries, and their partnership exemplifies the beauty of acceptance and authenticity. It stands as an uplifting testament to the beauty of embracing one’s identity, fostering a world where love prevails beyond societal expectations and where all forms of love are celebrated for their simplicity and sincerity.

Artist Statement

The individual depicted as “Romeo bike” in this portrayal identifies as a transman. This chosen pseudonym reflects his desire to be portrayed with utmost masculinity. Being a fervent motorbike enthusiast, he associates motorcycles with masculinity, which led him to arrive with his cherished blue bike that symbolizes this aspect. The artwork was created outdoors in the backyard of the T-home, where the emotions stemming from “Romeo bike’s” challenging past were captured in this portrait. Presently, he is engaged with the SEED foundation Malaysia, an NGO.

Artist Statement

The artwork “Artemis” portrays an empowering transgender woman, an esteemed figure in the transgender community, with a remarkable track record. Currently, a program manager for SEED Malaysia, she has held significant positions in NGOs, including being a VCT coordinator with the PT Foundation. Her influence extends to shaping policies as she actively participated in drafting the national strategic plan to end AIDS in 2023. She has also been involved in global fund community dialogues in 2018, advocating for the transgender community. In addition to her achievements, she is a skilled makeup artist, evident in the artwork where she sits relaxed, enjoying her makeup session while draped in batik clothing that beautifully embraces her body.

Artist Statement

Kak Sunstra is a devoted Buddhist, a dedicated coordinator of the transgender home, and efficiently manages all aspects of the community with utmost care and compassion. In her forties, she emanates a nurturing and affectionate aura that makes her truly captivating. As her name suggests, “Sunstra”, means “the lady with stunning eyes”. The expressions etched on her face bear witness to the tales of her life, reflecting a profound journey filled with emotions. Her attention to detail extends beyond her role as she meticulously chooses outfits with specific colour codes for each day of the week, paired with matching colour umbrellas. In this particular painting, she gracefully dons an embroidered dress adorned with flowers, exuding an air of relaxation and serenity as she amidst vibrant arrangements of orchids and calla lilies.

Artist Statement

“Bunga Berduri” depicts the eldest resident lying bedridden, grappling with a lung infection. At 68 years old, she may be the frailest among the residents, yet her spirit radiates with the most enchanting warmth and grace. Her journey, filled with past sorrows and arduous struggles, finds a profound expression in the contour of her weathered visage, immortalised on canvas. She reigns as the master of authentic Kelantanese Malay cuisine. During her healthier days, she would prepare delectable dishes for me, calling me her “anak” while I endearingly refer to her as “motherku”. Her affectionate soul emanates a sweetness that touches all who know her.

Artist Statement

In this poignant painting, Romaan emerges as a figure filled with resilience and hope, despite the hardships he faced as an asylum seeker from Pakistan. A devoted Muslim who resides in the transgender shelter – a safe haven for transgenders, he fled his homeland at the tender age of 23, seeking refuge in Malaysia, leaving behind a traumatic past marred by stigmatization, condemnation, and disgrace due to societal judgments. Romaan’s journey has been marked by pain and suffering, disowned by this father and subjected to the horrifying experience within his own family. Despite the weight of his past, he remains steadfast in his determination to build a brighter future for himself. He yearns to work hard, earn a living and become a role model, contributing positively to society. His optimism and tenacious spirit shine through, a testament to the strength within him. Captured in the backyard of the transgender home, where he takes moments for cigarette breaks, Romaan’s face bears the shadows of the sorrow he carries. Through this painting, the artist intends to honour his resilience and determination, portraying Romaan as a hardworking young man deserving of respect and admiration.

Artist Statement

In this captivating artwork, you’ll discover May May exuding confidence while seated gracefully against a mirrored shelf, wholeheartedly embracing her identity as a drag queen. Adorned in her unmistakable purple sequin dress, complemented by a feather-beaded headpiece, she often wears this ensemble during her electrifying nightclub performances. Her pose exudes empowerment, capturing the essence of her persona. Through this painting, the artist aspires to celebrate the richness of diversity within the transgender community, shedding light on May May’s inspiring journey as a trans woman and her equally empowering expression as a drag queen.

Artist Statement

“Princess Flower ”, a Chinese transgender woman, exudes an air of relaxation as she poses gracefully on a flower-patterned couch. As both a distinguished makeup artist and hair stylist, she commands her own beauty salon, embodying empowerment and self-sufficiency. Determined to make a livelihood through her own efforts, she stands as a testament to hard work. Sharing her desire to prove her worth to a family that once stigmatized her for embracing her identity as a transgender woman. “Princess Flower” epitomizes resilience. This portrait captures her in a moment of repose, gazing calmly at the viewer, while her emotions silently narrate her story.

Artist Statement

“Queen of Citrine Blaze” is a true beauty queen who graces the world of pageantry with her presence. Her luminous aura shines through, reflecting the triumphs of her journey, adorning with a crown and sash of achievement in the transgender pageantry.

With poise and grace, she sits regally, emanating the air of confidence and pride that captivates all who behold her. Her gown is a breathtaking marvel, embellished with glistening flowery ornaments that dance like flames of shimmering citrine. As viewers gaze upon her, they are drawn into the world of pageantry – a world where dreams are realised, barriers are broken, and empowerment reigns supreme. This portraiture serves as a beacon of inspiration for all, to stand tall with pride and to let out inner beauty blaze forth in a mesmerising display of courage and resilience.

Artist Statement

“Anastasia” is portrayed in a serene seated position on a couch. It’s important to highlight her unique heritage – she is of mixed Punjabi Chinese descent. My choice to paint her was motivated by the desire to spotlight a seldom-seen racial background, particularly from within a marginalized community. This painting seeks to celebrate the diversity present among transgender individuals. Anastasia’s visage captures a deep well of sorrow, a stark contrast to many other portraits. Through her depiction, I aim to convey numerous stories that have shaped her life – tales of relentless stigmatization and societal condemnation. Despite this adversity, she embodies an unwavering yearning to embrace her true self, unapologetically navigating her path amidst the prevailing stigma.

Artist Statement

“Linda Lam” embodies the spirit of a baby boomer – slightly plump with full lips, hailing from Kuching, Sarawak, and of Malay descent. Her transformative journey as a transwoman began during her teenage years in her twenties when she decided to embark on a new life in Kuala Lumpur. Within the Thome, she shines as the most cheerful and humorous individual, spreading laughter wherever she goes. Affectionately nicknamed “raja lawak” (the king of comedy) due to her humorous personality, she brings joy and delight to those around her.

Always donning a caftan, she holds a revered place as one of the elders, gracefully moving with the aid of a walking stick due to severe knee pain. Besides her cheerful demeanour, Linda Lam has a morning ritual she cherishes – she loves to put on music from her radio early in the morning while doing her makeup, joyfully welcoming the day with her radiant spirit. In this artwork, Linda Lam is depicted in the living room, seated on the couch – her favourite spot where she often watches TV.

Artist Statement

“Princess Angel” is depicted applying makeup while seated at her dressing table, comfortably wearing her favourite olive green pajamas. The makeup kit, a familiar tool among transgender individuals, is employed. This scene powerfully captures her identity, resonating with transgender experiences. The act of applying makeup becomes akin to donning armor, symbolizing beauty, concealing insecurities and expressing femininity. In the artwork, “Princess Angel’s” back is painted, her reflection gazing back at herself through the mirror. A contemplative air envelops her, evoking thoughts like, “Do doubts arise? Is self-discovery underway? Who am I?” These are the questions that lingers in her thoughts.