JOHOR BAHRU, May 14 – Creativity took center stage at the Live Art Painting Competition organized by the Festival of Languages and Cultures, held in conjunction with the 15th anniversary of the Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The event gathered dozens of young artists from various institutions, including Sekolah Seni Malaysia Johor, IDRISSI International School, and UTM. These participants transformed blank canvases into vivid expressions of thought and imagination, putting creativity front and center.
The festival was officially launched by Yang Amat Mulia Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, Pro-Chancellor of UTM, marking a prestigious beginning to a vibrant cultural celebration.
Guided by the inspiring theme ‘Where Words Meet Worlds’, the competition prompted attendees to reflect on how language shapes perception and how art can bring those words to life. Held at Raja Zarith Sofiah Library (PZRS), the competition welcomed participants of all ages, each interpreting the theme in their unique artistic styles. Some painted scenes rooted in tradition and culture, while others depicted the emotional and societal influence of spoken and written language.
The competition area buzzed with energy as participants, surrounded by supportive parents, teachers, friends, and peers, worked in real-time to create their masterpieces. Each artist had just three hours to complete their painting using their own tools. Yet, despite the time constraint, they produced impressive works that reflected their deep engagement with the theme.
Once the painting concluded, a panel of distinguished judges — Ghazali Bunari, Senior Lecturer of the Language Academy, and Associate Professor Dr. Rashida Abdul Majid, Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) — meticulously evaluated each entry. Both judges bring extensive experience in art and painting, having served as judges in numerous art competitions across Johor Bahru. They assessed the artworks based on theme interpretation, originality, and technique, also taking time to speak with participants about their inspirations and creative process.
Before the winners were announced, Ghazali and Dr. Rashida shared their reflections on the participants’ creations.
“The variety of interpretations was truly impressive. Some may not immediately understand the meaning behind each piece, while others may interpret it in entirely different ways. That’s the beauty of art — it speaks differently to each of us,” said Ghazali Bunari.
Following the judges’ deliberations, the emcee revealed the winners to enthusiastic applause. Third place was awarded to Tan Iro for a vibrant painting of a traditional Chinese Lion Dance with colorful background elements and calligraphy. Nur Ayra Nisa Ahmad Nizam earned second place with her depiction of a man performing Silat alongside the powerful phrase ‘Biar mati bermaruah, jangan mati dijajah’ (Better to die with honour than to die enslaved). First place went to Arwyn Nia Eva Shahazril, whose painting featured a Rhinoceros Hornbill and a Sparrow set against a lush green background. Each winner received a certificate and cash prizes; first place receiving RM500 and a certificate, second place earning RM350 and a certificate, and third place claiming RM250 and a certificate.
The event concluded with a brief art showcase and photo session, leaving the hall filled with a sense of joy and accomplishment. ‘Where Words Meet Worlds’ lived up to its name — where every brushstroke became a voice and every canvas, a new world.
Prepared by: Faraha Hamidi and Nik Nur Aisyah Iman Nik Aziz