An oil and acrylic on canvas piece by Yoss titled ‘Jwanita’.
IMAGINE the creative power that traditional textiles can have in contemporary art.
All this can be viewed in an ethereal exhibition titled “Beyond Fabrics”, which showcases the works of Malaysian artists Dani Omar and Yoss Yoseff.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Taksu Galleries and Kakao Origin, with Yap Ah Shak House in Kuala Lumpur as the venue partner.
Dani and Yoss, who are known for their innovative use of songket and batik respectively, redefine these traditional fabrics to convey powerful narratives of culture, identity and artistic evolution.
Dani’s artworks bring a modern twist to traditional songket patterns, harmonising tradition with contemporary life.
Since 2014, Dani has focused on creating art using songket fabric, a niche that sets him apart in an art world often dominated by batik.
Dani’s Folded Memoir III captures the visual beauty and cultural significance of songket. — Courtesy photos
His paintings capture the visual beauty and cultural significance of songket, infused with unique energy that leave a lasting impression.
Yoss passionately integrates figures with batik, Chinese textiles and traditional Japanese kimonos into a single cohesive painting.
Inspired by his mother’s devotion, his work resonates with a deep connection to his cultural heritage.
Yoss has exhibited across Malaysia and Singapore, and continues to captivate with his evocative artworks that celebrate familial love and cultural identity.
He brings a unique blend of batik and Japanese fabrics into his art.
Dani’s Puspawangi III oil-on-canvas work.
Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, which embraces imperfections by repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, Yoss’ work symbolises resilience and strength amid life’s challenges.
His paintings beautifully merge diverse cultural elements, creating a tapestry that honours the past while embracing the present.
“Yap Ah Shak House gives Taksu a special opportunity to share what we do best – celebrating Malaysian art and creativity,” said Taksu director Judy Yuen at the exhibition’s launch.
“As we host a roster of artists from regions across Malaysia, we aim to shine a spotlight on the incredible talents that exist within Malaysia, and provide a platform for growth to showcase their works for collectors locally and internationally.
“Both artists had their solo exhibitions with Taksu in 2023, earning acclaim for their use of traditional fabrics, with songket and batik as their primary subjects,” she said.
Yoss passionately integrates figures with batik, Chinese textiles and traditional Japanese kimonos into a single cohesive painting.
The Kakao Project by speciality chocolate drinks company Kakao Origin brings together the artistry of Malaysian chocolatiers and visual artists in a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
Kakao Origin partnered with Dani and Yoss, with support from Taksu Galleries and chocolate maker Chocolate Concierge, to merge Malaysian cultural heritage with the purity of single-origin chocolates.
The result is a creation of six exclusive chocolate bars, crafted to complement the artists’ work.
The exhibition is ongoing until Sept 15. Viewing hours are from 10am to 8pm daily.
It is held at The Drawing Room, Yap Ah Shak House, No.17, Jalan Yap Ah Shak in Kuala Lumpur.
