Inside Dhan Illiani Yusof’s journey into her artistic passions and dreams.
Dhan Illiani Yusof has been at the forefront of art. From a very young age, the magnetic allure of art compelled her as a reflection into the fabric of daily life. For Dhan, art has always been more than a source of expression. It’s a profound medium for self-reflection, discovery and personal growth.
If you’ve never had a chance to dive into Dhan’s world, you’ll learn that her art was never considered classical or traditional, but her approach has always gravitated toward an experimental route in the contemporary realm. As the world of technology continues to grow rapidly, artists have uncovered a way to expand their vision by merging traditional art with the digital frontier of their craft.
Dhan expresses, “Technology has helped me to provide a different and wider viewpoint on how my practices can be propelled forward, from reaching audiences outside of my limitations into further enriching my process through being able to connect with people and myself through different tools.”
While connecting to those around her has been pivotal to her craft, Dhan has pointed out that it’s crucial to embrace technology with wonder and curiosity. “Use this to broaden your horizons and let it facilitate how it can support your dreams. You’ll discover that these invaluable tools can elevate your creative fuel in unexpected ways,” she continues.
When technology meets art
In a world where creativity flourishes amidst chaos, every artist seeks innovative ways to elevate their visions to greater heights. Through traditional and unconventional processes, the dynamic pull of technology enters the art realm, just like the Galaxy AI in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6.
“It provides a comprehensive supportive system to my art practice, especially organizationally, as artists we can be very flexible and fluid in working our ways but often that can come with certain inefficiencies in keeping up with ourselves and work.,” she reveals.
When it comes to sharing her work, the Photo Assist feature is a game-changer. “It provides a seamless way to share my images and artworks across my platforms, excluding the hassle of manually editing my work,” she explains. While the features may have surprised her, the Drawing Assist functionality goes hand-in-hand when she’s on the move, helping her to formulate ideas before presenting with a more comprehensive outlook.
Meanwhile, Circle to Search with Google redefines the treasure hunt for inspiration and materials. For those who live outside the confines of the canvas, it’s essential to capture the spontaneity of everyday life. “Every day is a whirlwind of fleeting moments and vivid encounters,” the artist explains. “Retracing these inspirations could be a tedious endeavour. However, with Circle to Search, I have effortless access to tools and materials, enabling me to focus on creation rather than the chaos of sourcing.”
A reflection of Dhan Illiani Yusof’s craft
A pivotal moment in her artistic journey came when she realised that each artwork she has crafted is a reflection of her soul. “Every piece I create derives from a place of clarity, patience, and intentional processes. It’s a lifelong quest to communicate this intention across a visual language that resonates with others,” she shares.
However, the drive to balance her personal vision with the demands of the art world is a challenge of its own. “The drive to continually bring the focus back to myself is no easy feat,” she expressed. “Art is a holistic practice and it means honouring an authentic voice and truth that I wish to create from within.” Living in a fast-paced environment, it’s always important to keep in mind to be present. “Honouring my creative health and process is pivotal in being an artist today, which teaches me how to treat myself and others on their artistic journey.”
A quest for inspiration
When it comes to finding inspiration, she affirms that creativity never truly fades. “There’s always something calling me to create. The continuous drive to push boundaries is about remaining true to myself, even when the path is uncharted.” For the artist, the one rule that she continues to live by is the art of being curious. “My art combines various aspects through processes and experimentation that I let it unfold itself naturally.”
As Dhan looks back at her previous masterpieces, one artwork defines her artistic evolution. Her solo exhibition, “Niyat,” at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, was a benchmark for understanding her art practice through the study of intentions. “I’ve started an ongoing series on Instagram that relates to Niyat with ‘Monthly Niyat,’ and this has helped me branch out on the nature of art practices.”
This dynamic series tackles a string of topics, including value systems, social challenges, the interplay of art with travel, philosophy, and the nature of daydreaming. Through her exhibition, she has formed a profound relationship with local and international artists to cultivate conversations on their approaches to the practice of art and life.
Exploration of her craft
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, she resonates with a refreshing outlook on her craft. Her creative journey continues to unfold as an exploration of playfulness intertwined with philosophy. “In experimentation, you must play,” reveals the artist. “If anything, progress is just failing forward and finding different ways I can make sure of what I’ve learned during experimentation,” she continues. Embracing uncertainties is a recognition for growth and for this artist, stepping into the unknown is where her magic thrives. Not only that, conversations with friends, shared experiences and support of fellow creatives weave a form of adventure into her continued practice.
And then, there’s the integration of Galaxy AI tools, a game-changer for many who juggle multiple projects. “It fuels my passion, allowing me to immerse myself fully in my work,” the artist shares. With a sense of purpose sharpened by these innovative tools, individuals can navigate their artistic pursuits with newfound efficiency. As those in the art world know, in a landscape brimming with inspiration, having the right resources at your fingertips could be the key to unlocking your most ambitious dreams.
Dhan’s insights into the art realm serve as a crucial reminder for fellow creatives to embrace the uncertainty and the beauty of experimentation. Her work shines through as a source of inspiration, and whether it’s through tradition or the integration of technology, every tool that’s available around you is a way to elevate your vision.
Her narrative showcases the endless potential to break barriers, ignite deeper conversations, and create memorable connections. This is what defines the beauty and artistic route of Dhan Illiani Yusof’s journey.
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