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A self taught artist, Donald Abraham is fast becoming one of Malaysia’s best known young artists for his visually engaging works that are recognisable for their style and influence from graffiti. First appearing on the Malaysian art scene in 2007, he has gained admiration for his funky aesthetic which many of the younger generation can identify with. Experienced in doing murals, his work can be admired at Publika Mall in Kuala Lumpur while he has also done a commissioned mural for Nestle in 2010 to 2011.

Donald’s notable exhibitions include the ‘Open Exhibition’ at the Galeri Shah Alam in 2008, ‘Malaysian Naive Art Showcase’ in 2008 and a 3 man show, ‘The City of Cats and Dogs’ at the Annexe Gallery in 2008 while more recent shows are the ‘Young Contemporary Artists’ at Galeri Petronas in 2010, ‘Sequential Narrative’ at Galeri Chandan as well as ‘Bad at Map’ at White Box, Publika in 2011. While showing mainly in Malaysia, he has also exhibited abroad at the Art Expo in Shanghai in 2010.

Donald’s other outstanding achievements include winning an Honourable Award in the Out of Line Competition held by Annexe Gallery in 2008, and designing the KLUE magazine cover for urbanscapes in 2010.

An urban landscape lies at the centre of this painting encircled by a multitude of phantoms. Dismal, murky and shadowy are all words that can describe the overall feel of the artwork, yet like most of Donald’s work, it still retains a playful quality. Fantastical creatures and spirits cavort all around with fascinating configurations. Is it the real world with specters coming out to play, or is this a world of ghosts? The piece is indicative of a city controlled by gluttony and corruption - the seedy underbelly of a metropolitan area. Perhaps it is an imitation of the real world and the dubious forces at play unseen by the innocent? Instantly recognisable and painted in his signature style, Antu displays the artist’s penchant for fanciful and extraordinary character creation and narrative.