Born in Malaysia, Alya Hatta is an interdisciplinary artist with a base in London and Kuala Lumpur, her work revolves around the mediums of painting and sculpture, allowing her personal experiences and memories to shape her artistic vision.
Alya Hatta art is displayed in prestigious exhibitions in cities such as London, Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Tübingen and Sydney. Inspired by the communities of South London along with elements of Southeast Asian mythology and the aspects of the diasporic experience, she creates alternative realities that aim to redefine the concept of home.
Artists frequently find inspiration in their surroundings, particularly in the cultural and social elements of their environment. As someone who was born in Malaysia and now resides in London, do you believe that these diverse cultures have impacted your artistic expression?
– Yes, in every way possible – my entire practice is fueled on these differences and how it has shaped me, and how I react to both cultures on a daily basis. With each work I am able to put into reality the product of these two different environments as well as draw on the histories and personal memories of both of these places.
Your work spans multiple disciplines. How would you describe your artistic creations?
– Realistically, I see it as a blend of painting and sculpture, but romantically, I believe there’s no real distinction between the two. My creative process involves using my body to bring new objects into existence that wouldn’t have been created otherwise, reflecting everything I’ve experienced up to this point. I incorporate various painterly and sculptural techniques, along with drawing, and I aspire to keep exploring new methods and materials as I evolve.
Which artists have significantly influenced your painting style? And what about sculptors?
– I’ve always been inspired by the works of Jenner Packer and Rose Wylie. Packer’s use of color and line captivates me, especially how she effortlessly merges figures with backgrounds to evoke various emotions. Wylie, on the other hand, impresses me with her straightforward approach to painting, treating it as a matter of fact. In the realm of sculpture, Jonathan Baldock stands out to me for his playful personification of objects through both sculpture and sound, particularly in his piece ‘Facecrime’ (2019-2020), which I had the opportunity to oversee at Camden Arts Centre during my BA.
Do you have any new projects in the works? Where can people discover your pieces?
