Supporting disadvantaged communities is a key part of life at GIS, with many of our alumni continuing to engage with projects even after their time with us. Alumna, Natalya Firdaus (Class of 2015) talks to us about using her experience organising and curating ‘Colours of Hope’, an art exhibition to showcase the work of artists from refugee communities across Malaysia.
Natayla, can you tell us more about this ‘Colours of Hope’ event?
A few months ago, the founder of Greater Action (a non-profit social organisation dedicated to improving the lives of marginalised refugee communities in and around Kuala Lumpur), Julie Das, reached out to me and asked if I could art direct and curate an entire exhibition for the young and talented artists in the refugee communities. Art has always surrounded my life in many different ways, so naturally, I agreed to be a part of this project.
What was your approach to this project?
As we all know, the pandemic has left many people deprived of normalcy in their lives. There are some who have been hit by this more than others and I strongly believe that we as a human collective should support each other when times are hard.
Growing up, I have always watched my parents open their hearts and reach out a helping hand to anyone who needed help, no matter how big or small their problems were, no matter the kind of help they needed. I constantly remind myself every day of their kindness and light in this world, as well as their compassion for others, and I thank them for helping me realise that I too have the ability to help anyone, in any way possible.
Art to me is a form of expression that truly portrays the deeper layers of a person’s soul. The magnification of human emotions powers the unique visuals created by the artist. Seeing how talented and creative-minded these young artists are instantly inspired me to try my best to help them achieve more out of their artistic skills.
What is the success story of this event and what have you personally taken from this project?
Curating and art directing the ‘COLOURS OF HOPE’ exhibition for the Greater Action Art Gallery, that showcased in November 2021, was extremely fun and challenging at the same time. With the help of some of the big-hearted volunteers, we managed to set up the exhibition smoothly. Leading the construction and direction of an entire exhibition from scratch has taught me various things such as:
- The importance of being a strong team player;
- Being open and adapting to new ideas, concepts and strategies as well as;
- Prioritising time management.
- It has also widened my creative and managerial perspective in ways that I had never thought of previously.
- Most importantly, the joy of giving
It warms my heart to say that the exhibition showcase was a huge success and we raised RM 17,290 (£3027.86) in total, with 100% of the profits given back to each of the young artists according to how many pieces they sold during the exhibition.
The money raised has been vital in helping the artists and their families with purchasing food and basic necessities that they need to survive in these chaotic and uncertain times.
Any message or sharing of thoughts for our current students?
Being kind and understanding the importance of giving back in this world is key to growing in extraordinary ways. Giving back to communities as well as to this planet gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and is something that I will continue doing for as long as I am here. I truly hope that the majority of you will join me in doing so.
A huge ‘Thank You’ to our inspiring Alumni Natalya Firdaus, who is always involved in the community services as part of giving back to our needed society like the refugee community, despite her busy daily schedules. A special thank you to everyone involved in this ‘Colours of Hope’ project. If you are interested in sharing your journey post GIS, and offering pearls of wisdom to our current students at future events, then please get in touch with us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my.
We are always updating our page with news from the Alumni community across the continents and would love to hear from you and share your stories. Please get in touch via Facebook, LinkedIn or simply send an email to alumni@gardenschool.edu.my. We can’t wait to hear from you!