Lim Anuar presenting his batik artwork to Japanese officials. (Lim Anuar Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: Language knows no bounds – and neither does art. For 55-year-old Lim Anuar, a Malaysian artist born deaf, these truths come together in his work.
Once struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic, Lim’s artwork is now making waves in Japan, showcasing the beauty of Malaysian batik to a global audience.
Speaking to FMT Lifestyle in an email interview, Lim shared: “I am grateful to have received an invitation from Miyoshi City Hall to exhibit my works in two prestigious locations: the Saitama (State) Prefectural Headquarters and the city of Miyoshi Town.”
Adding to the celebration, Lim revealed that the exhibit resulted in the sale of five of his pieces to Japanese art collectors.
Lim spent some of this time in Japan teaching the locals there his batik techniques. (Lim Anuar Facebook pic) “During my visit to Japan, I noticed that batik art isn’t exhibited or widely created there,” Lim shared.
His work, deeply rooted in Malaysia’s cultural heritage, sparked interest among Japanese art collectors, including the mayor of Miyoshi, who became one of Lim’s newest patrons.
“He expressed great interest in the uniqueness of this art form,” Lim shared. “His appreciation of my work, coupled with his deep understanding of the richness of Malaysian culture, truly inspired me to continue my creative journey here.”
During his one-month stay in Japan, Lim engaged with Japanese officials and art enthusiasts, discussing the cultural significance of batik and exploring ways to blend traditional Malaysian techniques with Japan’s “yuzen” dyeing methods.
Lim revealed that the event hinted at exciting future collaborations. “I may be commissioned to produce floor and wall mural paintings in Japan next year.”
Lim hopes to establish his very own batik studio in Malaysia someday. (Lim Anuar Facebook pic) Despite his recent international success, the Malaysian artist lived in obscurity for many years. When the pandemic hit, Lim faced a series of setbacks.
Limited exhibitions and fewer clients meant he had to halt both the sale of his batik and the art classes he taught to supplement his income.
Yet, despite these struggles, he pushed forward, even participating in competitions in the hope of winning some decent money in a grand prize.
Since then, Lim has made a significant comeback. In May of 2022, he undertook a large-scale mural project, creating a floor painting measuring 115 metres by six metres in Petaling Jaya, alongside two wall murals in Kuala Lumpur.
Reflecting on these achievements, he said: “I feel proud to have been trusted with a project of this scale, especially as a deaf artist who can show the value of my work.”
Lim completed this massive mural in Kuala Lumpur shortly after the pandemic. (Lim Anuar Facebook pic) Beyond his exhibits, Lim collaborated with Starbucks Coffee Malaysia on their 25th-anniversary “Bearista Project,” displayed at Starbucks Bangsar Village II.
Lim’s recent international recognition speaks to his resilience in a field where he has always had to carve his own path. Painting for Lim is both a form of expression and a way to bridge communities.
This creative journey began in Penang, after his mother discovered his hearing loss at age three.
Since then, his vibrant batik paintings have been a reflection of his childhood memories of his home in Tanjung Bungah, with themes of Malaysian multiculturalism, and the harmonious coexistence of different communities – messages that resonate globally.
“Each of my artworks helps others understand my life story,” he said.
Lim conveys the beauty of Malaysia’s multiculturalism through his batik creations. (Lim Anuar Facebook pic) When asked about the role of art in his life, Lim emphasised its educational power. “My paintings teach the audience the value of embracing culture,” he said. “Batik is the soul of Malaysia. I want to encourage foreigners to embrace our cultural heritage, to enjoy batik and preserve our future.”
Now, with the potential for more projects and collaborations in Japan, Lim’s goals have expanded.
He dreams of establishing his own batik studio and gallery in Petaling Jaya someday. “If given the chance, my goal is to create a landmark of cultural exchange between Malaysia and Japan,” he shared.
For Lim, batik has always been a way to communicate. “Through my art, I convey a personal message to the public. It’s the only way I have. I draw what I feel, what I understand,” Lim said, hoping that his audiences can glimpse the world through his eyes.
Follow Lim Anuar on Facebook.
