Masturah Sha'ari

1969 , Singapore

Masturah Sha’ari is an art historian and cofounder of Maya Gallery, an art gallery with a focus on heritage, culture, Singapore and Southeast Asian art since 2012. She is also president of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD)—an association of Malay artists in Singapore, established in 1962—and an exco member of The Singapore Arts Federation. She has curated exhibitions, produced catalogues, spoken at museums and institutions, mentored female university students, and once taught art and drawing at a local polytechnic. Her research explores the collective efforts of Malay artists and societies during Singapore’s post-war period. A self-taught artist, Masturah won a few neighbourhood art competitions while in primary school. She started abstract painting in 2016, where her works are an expression of her thoughts and emotions, inspired by people, places and life experiences. Her works have been exhibited in Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, including at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi, Art Expo Malaysia, and Affordable Art Fair Singapore.


Artist Statement

“Making art, especially abstracts, allows me to explore the concept of freedom and space, without being bogged down with representational objects and meticulous details. Being in my pop-up studio helps me unwind and get into my own space, where I get to break some rules, experiment, and let surprises happen.”


Peace II
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 40 cm
2018
SOLD
Empowered
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 100 cm
2020
SOLD
All My Heart
Acrylic on canvas
80 x 135 cm
2021
SOLD
Every flower blooms in its own time
Acrylic on canvas
80 x 135 cm
2021
SOLD
In the Light I
Acrylic on canvas
122 x 61 cm
2018
SOLD
In the Light II
Acrylic on canvas
122 x 61 cm
2018
SOLD
Green Forest
Acrylic on canvas
60 x 91.5 cm
2022
SOLD
Green Mountain
Acrylic on canvas
60 x 91.5 cm
2022
Finding our Way Home 1
Acrylic on canvas
Diameter 40 cm
2023
SOLD
Finding our Way Home 2
Acrylic on canvas
Diameter 40 cm
2023
Urban Escape 
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 61 cm
2023
SOLD
Nature Retreat 
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 61 cm
2023
Harmony
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 91 cm
2022
Tranquil Reflections I
Acrylic on canvas
120 x 120 cm
2021
Tranquil Reflections II
Acrylic on canvas
120 x 120 cm
2021
Sustenance
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 61 cm
2024
SOLD
Promise of a New Dawn
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 61 cm
2024
Even the tiniest of flowers can have the toughest roots 1, 2, 3
Acrylic on canvas
20 x 20 cm each
2024