Artist Profile
Rekha Menon (b.1976) is a self-taught artist who took the leap to pursue a full-time career in visual arts after spending over a decade in the branding and media relations field. Hailing from Malaysia, she was born and is currently based in Kuala Lumpur. Menon's pop artistic style combines elements of stylised figurations and abstract motifs, creating a unique body of work that captivates the viewer's imagination.
Fascinated by the enigma of the subconscious mind, Menon employs a vibrant and colourful palette that harmoniously intertwines lines, shapes, patterns, symbols, and shading. This interplay of visual elements signifies the vast spectrum of emotions and expressions she seeks to convey. Menon's artwork has garnered international recognition, with her pieces showcased on prestigious platforms in Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand. Notably, her talent was acknowledged with an Honourable Award from the International Watercolour Society during its 2018 International Watercolour Biennale.
Her creations have found homes in private collections across the globe, including in countries such as India, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, US and her home country of Malaysia. Through her art, Rekha Menon continues to explore the depths of human emotion and the hidden landscapes of the mind.
Artist Statement
I've always been captivated by the intricate tapestry of humanity, drawn to unravel the profound threads that unite us as multi-dimensional beings. My artistic journey navigates the depths of subjects entwined with emotions, inner healing, unity, and transformation. I firmly believe that through genuine care and equitable opportunities for all, we can nurture a world brimming with empathy, kindness and peace
My artistic endeavors are driven by the desire to weave a visual narrative that mirrors my sentiments, with the ultimate intention of casting a positive influence upon society. My aim is to craft art that strikes a chord at a profound level, triggering a ripple effect that contributes meaningfully to the world we inhabit.
Selected Exhibitions
INTERNATIONAL
Numaisah Gah - "Emperor's New Clothes" - May 2023 - Lahore, Pakistan
Treasury Museum Khon Kean - "Capturing the Moment" - March 2023 - Khon Kean, Thailand
Karja Art Space - "Awakening" - Residency Solo Show - July 2022 - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Chang Chui Gallery - "Friendship: Art & Connectivity" - October 2019 - Bangkok, Thailand
Padepokan Apel Watoe Gallery - "The Path of Love" - July 2019 - Jogjakarta, Indonesia
Mona Gallery - "Celebrating Life" – March 2018 - Tokyo, Japan
LOCAL
Nadine Fine Art Gallery - Flowers in Art - June 2023 - PJ, Malaysia
Hin Bus Depot & Zhan Art Space - Of Spaces In Between - April 2023 - Penang & PJ, Malaysia
ARmenian Park - (Augmented Reality) "Women's Day Collaboration" - March 2023 - Penang, Malaysia
ArtVoice Gallery - Awakening (Residency Solo Show) - September 2022 - KL, Malaysia
HOMs & Chetak 17 - Print Making Open Show 2022 - September 2022 - KL, Malaysia
Galeri Prima (ArtVoice Collective) - reSET - May 2022 - KL, Malaysia
MAYBANK Gallery - Virtual Show - "Light & Dark" - January 2022 - KL, Malaysia
TheArtSeni - Hotel Art Show - "Momo's 2.0" – December 2021 - KL, Malaysia
National Art Gallery - MAEF Art Fair – December 2021 - KL, Malaysia
ArtVoice Gallery - Online Show - "Proud To Be Nude" – August 2021 - Selangor, Malaysia
Chetak12 - Online Show - "ArtAidArtist" – August 2021 - Selangor, Malaysia
Artomovement - Virtual Show - "VIRTUE (AL) 2.0" – August 2021 - Selangor, Malaysia
ArtVoice Gallery - Online Show - "Pop Art" – June 2021 - Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia & Philippines
Zhan Art Space - "Duality" – March 2021 - Selangor, Malaysia
KL City Art Gallery (ArtVoice Collective) - Online Show - "In This Moment" – February 2021 - MY & NY
Greydea Studio - "Part 2: Letter to Basquiat" – January 2021 - KL, Malaysia
Inner Joy Art Gallery - "Be Kind. Have Courage" – October 2020 - Selangor, Malaysia
Penang State Art Gallery & Museum - 'Beyond 2020' - August 2020 - Malaysia
Artemis Gallery - Part 1: Conversation with Basquiat" – August 2020 - Malaysia
Galeri Shah Alam - PERUPA - "Satu: Masterpiece" – March 2020 - Malaysia
Atelier 11 Gallery - "International Women’s Day" – March 2020 - Malaysia
Publika Art Show (UEM, Segaris & Artemis) - "Sama - Sama" - August 2019 - KL, Malaysia
Ilford Gallery - "ArtiKarya Incubation Program Graduation" - February 2019 - Malaysia
UM Art Gallery (Opposite Abstract Collective) - "Non-Finito" – December 2019 - Malaysia
Wicked Art Space (Studio Mekar Collective) - "MyMory" - November 2018 - Malaysia
2010 - present
Award
Honourable Award Recipient - International Watercolour Biennale 2018
2010 - present
Residency
Karja Art Space - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia - 2022
Education
MA in Communication Management (University of South Australia)
BA in Media & Communication (Murdoch University, Australia)