Guest Artist: Danya Adriana, 17, Malaysia
The Petaling Street, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur (for the Marriott’s Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown)
My name is Danya Adriana Feri Pito Manda. I’m a 17-year-old abstract painter from Malaysia and a high school student majoring in economics. I’ve been creating art since I was twelve. For me, it has always been more than just drawing: it's how I understand the world and express what I feel inside. My journey began with design and sketching, and over time, I found that abstract art gives me a sense of freedom. I’m not tied to realistic forms; instead, I explore ideas, theme and identity through movement, colour, layering, form and texture. I experiment a lot with materials, letting the process guide me. Every piece I create feels like a conversation between my heritage and the present moment.
Today, I focus mostly on abstract painting, but my work is deeply rooted in my culture. I often blend contemporary techniques with traditional Malaysian architectural elements, heritage, history and culture.
I’m also inspired by Malaysia’s lush natural environment, our plants and forests. I use colours like blue and green to represent that connection to nature. Those colours have become my signature, symbolizing calm, harmony, and depth.
At seventeen, I’m still evolving. But at the heart of everything I do is a desire to preserve and reimagine the richness of Malaysian culture and history and to invite others into the world I see through my lens. I also want my art to spark something personal in others so that when people see it, they feel a connection and an urge inside them, saying, I can create something like that too.
The Petaling Street, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur (for the Marriott’s Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown)
(Image: see above)
I was inspired by the everyday life of Petaling Street, its people, food, culture, and the busy scene of buying and selling. I use my style of abstract forms and textures to show the energy of Chinatown, mixing old traditions with the fast pace of the city. My color palette is bold and expressive, like a firecracker bursts in the sky to celebrate the spirit, joy, and history of the street.
The Colors of Malaysia
The Colours of Malaysia
I explore the unity of Malaysia’s three major cultures: Malay, Chinese, and Indian through colour and composition. Each section reflects a different cultural spirit, brought together. The brushwork carries both contrast and harmony, symbolising unity, the shared respect that fuels our nation’s strength and progress. “The Colors of Malaysia” is my abstract tribute to the vibrant identities that shape our country.
The Heritage of Malaysia
The Heritage of Malaysia
This piece is a contemporary abstract celebration of traditional Malaysian heritage, seen through the eyes of youth. I wanted to capture the emotional depth of our culture by blending three powerful childhood symbols: the graceful curve of the Wau (kite), the circular rhythm of the Rebana (traditional drum), and the nostalgic shape of the Congkak board - a game I remember playing.
Whimsical City
Whimsical City
This vibrant abstract painting bursts with energy, combining elements of nature and city life. I also paint KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) to show the modern side of Kuala Lumpur. Bold circular motifs, flowers, leaves, and buildings overlap in layers of vivid reds, blues, purples, and greens. The piece reflects a joyful, dreamlike interpretation of urban nature.