KUCHING: An innovative blend of hand-drawn doodles and augmented reality (AR) technology has brought feline friends to life in a unique art experience.
Nur Aimi Athirah Abdul Aziz’s “PusakGu Network” utilised the Artivive app to unveil hidden cat characters within her artwork, seamlessly merging traditional art with cutting-edge technology.
This captivating approach earned her fourth place in the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) International Uptown Cat X 2024 Art Competition in the international participation category, securing RM400, a certificate, a trophy, and a hamper.
“This fusion of analog and digital elements reflects contemporary art trends and underscores the harmony between the two,” Aimi told reporters at the DBKU Cat Museum in Petra Jaya today (Dec 28).
“My artwork revolves around black-and-white doodles, but technology breathes life into them. The Artivive app allows viewers to scan the piece, revealing hidden cats in a burst of colour.”
“Some may not immediately spot the feline in the doodle,” she said.
“But with the app, it becomes undeniably clear.”
The 26-year-old postgraduate fine arts student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) sees her artwork as a reflection of the digital age, mirroring the ubiquitous presence of cats on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.
“Cats are a global phenomenon,” she added.
“Their popularity transcends borders and cultures. It’s not about the specific breed, but their universal appeal.”
Aimi’s passion for cats is evident throughout her work, drawing inspiration from artists like Mr. Doodle and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Doodling remains her preferred medium, combining air-dry clay and markers for efficiency.
“The clay dries quickly, and markers are a time-saver compared to painting,” she said.
“PusakGu Network took me around two days to complete, although more intricate pieces can take up to five days.”
“For me, doodling is more than just art; it’s therapeutic,” she added.
“It allows for spontaneous expression without the need for preliminary sketches.”
The International Uptown Cat X 2024 exhibition, themed “World Cat in Action,” showcased 61 captivating cat-themed artworks from Nigeria, Indonesia, the Philippines, and beyond.
The DBKU Art Competition, held concurrently, featured categories for both local and international participants.
Lim Mei Joo’s “The Cats’ Playground: A World in Harmony” secured first place in the local category, earning her RM3000 in cash, a certificate, a trophy, and a hamper.
In the international category, Lily Metom from Sarawak claimed first place with her painting “World of Cats – The Joyful Diversity,” winning RM5000 in cash, a certificate, a trophy, and a hamper.
