Bono Stellar’s art installation 'Theta' at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur presents an immersive space that evokes unique illusions created through lines and reflective materials. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
Bono Stellar, a multi-disciplinary artist, has unveiled her biggest art installation to date, and it is now showing at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur as part of the “Single” exhibition series at the institution.
The installation titled Theta, made with reflective materials, bright colours and dreamy illusion effects, is a thoughtful interactive work, which isn't short of colourful zest and infectious fun.
The work also looks into exploration of the subconscious mind and its potential for healing and transformation.
At the installation space, viewers can sit down, walk about and take in a few quiet moments.
Theta is an art piece designed to serve as a reminder of the infinite possibilities that exist when individuals align themselves with their true potential and reclaim their personal power.
Bono Stellar's installation 'Theta' at the National Art Gallery is a very different kind of project, even for an artist with such a diverse outlook. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
“I invite visitors to really be present around the installation and imagine their best self and know that they can always shift into that version now. We are all capable and worthy of living our dream life. Despite all the grief and trauma I have experienced in my past, I have also lived a magical life and I intend to create works that can help people heal too,” says Bono Stellar (real name Nawwar Shukriah Ali) in a recent interview.
Theta brain waves – which is where her installation got its name – happen during a drowsy yet still awake period, like when you are about to drift off to sleep or have just woken up.
You will also find theta waves when you are very calm and relaxed, such as during meditation.
Bono Stellar’s new art installation is as much an invitation for self-reflection as it is an ode to the transformative potential of self-healing. Photo: Ion Ray and Ed
This brainwave state, characterised by deep relaxation and heightened receptivity, can play a significant role in goal visualisation. The idea is that when the subconscious mind is more receptive to information, it makes it easier to implant positive affirmations and intentions.
By harnessing theta waves during goal visualisation practices, individuals can tap into their intuition and gain clarity and guidance regarding their goals.
“In this state, the subconscious mind is more open to receiving info that we want to plant. It is like ‘self-hypnosis’, a way to reprogram the subconscious mind by telling the mind what we want to heal or who we want to become, or rewiring past limiting beliefs into new beliefs that can help us reach our fullest potential,” says Bono Stellar, who has worked with installation art, set designs, festival installations and art empowerment/community projects through the years.
A ‘sound bathing’ session by Ethel Cho mesmerised the crowd who visited the Theta installation recently. Photo: Bono Stellar
She also gave a Kuala Lumpur train station and a train car a colourful makeover with her artwork as part of Vans Malaysia initiative in 2021.
All said, her art installation Theta at the National Art Gallery is a very different kind of project, even for an artist with such a diverse outlook.
Her personal healing journey led her to develop practices for reprogramming her subconscious mind, such as playing guided meditation videos on positive reaffirmations, and listening to it as she is drifting off to sleep.
“I let my subconscious mind ‘listen’ to it while I sleep. And in the morning, I start the day by setting an intention of how I want the day to go. I make an effort to be more present in the moment, so I can enjoy life better without being clouded by the past,” she says.
A general view of Bono Stellar’s art installation 'Theta' at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
After more than eight months of consistent meditation and affirmation, she feels that she has made progress in taking charge of her own life and destiny.
“It is about reprogramming the old programming as I have lived with them almost all my life. We can always reinvent ourselves. I noticed that I no longer react to things like I used to.
“I feel more empowered that the past does not affect me now and I am loving myself better without being too critical and harsh. I am grateful that throughout this growth and healing, I feel so good and I am allowing more opportunities to come my way,” she says.
Her Theta installation, which is showing at the lobby of the National Art Gallery until July 24, is as much an invitation for self-reflection as it is an ode to the transformative potential of self-healing.
She should know – she’s living it.
