WATCH: Artist Uses Thumbprints to Create Merdeka Portraits of Malaysia’s Founding Fathers

By Karissa Lund  •  18 Aug 2020 in Design

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Who said thumbprint art was easy and for the kids? Just take a look at these detailed artworks!

Malaysian artist Vivian Ng Suet Yuan takes it to a whole new level as she recently completed three thumbprint portraits of prominent Malaysian figures who played important roles in attaining Malaysia’s independence. These figures are our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, the late Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun VT Sambanthan.

The impressive portrait of Tunku Abdul Rahman was created using three colours which “signifies the diversity of races here in our country” and measures 180cm in length by 126cm in width, using a total of nine canvases!

The portraits of the two late politicians, however, were created using only black paint.

From start to finish, take a look at how she created the Tunku Abdul Rahman masterpiece:

The video explained that, “A thumbprint is the most important identity of a person and is unique to each person, which also symbolises the unique multicultural identity in Malaysia. Our founding fathers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun VT Sambanthan were important figures in the forming of our country’s independence a long time ago.

“And what better way to appreciate their joint efforts in helping us gain our Merdeka and be united as Malaysians than to create their portraits?”

You would think Vivian has mastered the art of thumbprinting, but this Merdeka project is actually her first time dipping her fingers (yes, pun intended) into this type of art style.

The 28-year-old also explained that she learned thumbprint techniques straight from Youtube and said that the thumbprint portraits invoke a feeling of being ‘alive’ in the viewer.

“It feels as though the painting is alive with the thumbprints, and the viewer is able to resonate with the feeling of the painter,” she said.

To check out more of Vivian’s work, click here.