Artworks from the series Overflow (2024)
by Noor Zahran

Noor Zahran is a Malaysian artist based in Selangor who pursued his studies in Creative Media Digital at KPM Indera Mahkota. He possesses a diverse range of artistic skills, including drawing, painting, photography, and 3D compositing. His artistic style encompasses both realism and surrealism, with a focus on figurative and still life subjects. He primarily works with ink as his medium of choice, utilizing its versatility to create intricate and compelling artwork. His artworks have been showcased in notable group exhibitions. He was awarded the Highly Commended Award in the Emerging Artist Category by the UOB Painting of the Year in 2023 and won the Malaysia Emerging Artist Award (MEAA) in 2022. 

Shout It Out Loud

I blend the shape of a grenade with the body of a microphone to express the mighty force of people’s voices. The artwork symbolizes the incredible power we all hold within our voices to uplift and strengthen one another. Each voice is like a unique explosion, capable of creating positive change and fostering empowerment. It serves as a reminder that our words, just like the explosive energy in a grenade, can resonate loudly and leave a lasting impact. By celebrating the potency of communication, “Shout It Out Loud” encourages everyone, regardless of background or language proficiency, to recognize and embrace the ability to make a difference through the strength of their voices.

Fake Bliss Pill

The artwork depicts a blue pill with smiling emojis, exposing society’s social media addiction. The vibrant blue color symbolizes the allure of a seemingly perfect online world. Beneath the smiling faces, the drawing conveys a deeper message about the disparity between online personas and real-life experiences. In a world where people showcase their best moments online, the artwork questions the authenticity of these displays. It prompts viewers to ponder whether the pursuit of happiness through curated social media content has led us to prioritize virtual personas over genuine human connections. “Fake Bliss Pill” invites us to reconsider the impact of our digital dependencies and the importance of valuing real-life experiences beyond the confines of a screen.

Not for Sale

Not for Sale is a captivating artwork that challenges our obsession with social media validation. It portrays a fallen shopping cart strewn with blue hearts, symbolising the fleeting nature of online approval. The abandoned cart represents the discarded pursuit of validation through superficial measures, leaving viewers to question the underlying meaning behind seeking “Likes” on social media. As the hearts lay scattered, the message becomes apparent: the value of “Likes” is ultimately hollow and purposeless. This artwork urges the viewers to contemplate the authenticity of their digital interactions.

Recognition:

Winning the Highly Commended Award in the Emerging Artist category at the 2023 UOB Painting of the Year

Deceptive Flood

“Deceptive Flood” is a visual commentary on the inundation of digital media, depicted by a drawing of a TV overflowing with copious amounts of water. The artwork addresses the prevalent issues of misinformation, fake news, explicit content, and provocations that have permeated the digital landscape, subtly illustrating the brainwashing effect on individuals. In a world where people yearn for beliefs, the piece acknowledges the contemporary phenomenon wherein individuals, in their quest for meaning, are susceptible to embracing anything presented to them through digital platforms. The artwork prompts reflection on the challenges posed by the overwhelming and often deceptive nature of information in the media, urging viewers to be discerning consumers in a world where belief systems can be easily shaped by the content they encounter.