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M’sian Doctor Turned Artist Credits ‘Uncertainties’ As Inspiration For UK-Based Mural

M’sian Doctor Turned Artist Credits ‘Uncertainties’ As Inspiration For UK-Based Mural

Caryn Koh’s murals can be seen on walls across towns in southwest England.

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Acclaimed Malaysian artist Caryn Koh was practising as a doctor before switching careers as an artist.

In a feature with the BBC, she tells them she couldn’t take it anymore and had a breakdown before she found herself in art.

Caryn’s career change solidified her presence in the Malaysian art scene having participated in several projects and exhibitions since 2015 while winning a few awards too.

It was when she moved to the United Kingdom in 2017 when she felt that “starting from zero again” feeling again and her latest artwork reflects that.

Caryn’s mural in Swindon’s town centre
(Credit: Jay C Low Photography via BBC)

The painting, which can be seen on an abandoned unit in Swindon’s town centre in the UK, was revealed earlier this week which Caryn says reflects the uncertainty of embarking on new journeys, whether it be changing careers or countries.

Just by making a big decision to come to the UK four years ago and in each step of my journey there’s a lot of good feeling but also there’s that looming uncertainty that I wanted to highlight. It encapsulates all that feeling.

Carolyn Koh, Malaysian artist based in the UK

Rediscovering the passion for arts in the UK

In her journey from the medical field to her passion for the arts, Caryn graduated from Dasein Academy of Art in Kuala Lumpur where she was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Fine Arts.  

The 34-year-old’s artwork has been described as incorporating themes that thrive on emotional and psychological characteristics of individuals and feature subjects that portray the tenderness of human emotions.

In her life now as an artist based in the UK, Caryn’s work was also selected as part of Bristol’s Upfest Festival.

‘Sister & I’ by Caryn Koh. Situated on Exeter Road in Bristol
(Credit: @Jaylowch / Instagram via Caryn’s Instagram)

She was also one of the artists behind the Portraits for NHS heroes which is part of this year’s annual Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ exhibition.

In Malaysia, Caryn has recently teamed up with manufacturer Medicos to collaborate on a Pink Ribbon face mask that coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness month this October.


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