May 5, 2023

Kate Mothes

“Felicia.” All images © Malisa Suchanya, shared with permission

In vivid pinks, reds, greens, and blues, Oakland-based artist Malisa Suchanya renders the expressive contours of hands immersed in florals and ornamental motifs. Interested in painting the human figure, she started to focus on the appendages specifically during the pandemic, sharing that she “

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Suchanya organized three sub-series within the collection, including her cultural identity and upbringing in Singapore. Hands blossom from floral arrangements in the portraits series and are titled with individuals’ names, while limbs that twist and float on a black background comprise a set exploring the nuances of relationships. And looking to her

Throughout the year, Suchanya participates in markets and artist fairs around the country, including San Jose Made, which you can find updates about on her website and Instagram. She will also have a solo exhibition at Mom and Pop Art Shop in Point Richmond, California, later this year, and 30 x 30 x 30 continues at Var Gallery in Milwaukee through June 4.

“I bend for you”

Left: “May.” Right: “Red demon mask”

Installation view, image courtesy of Var Gallery

“Black kitsune”

Left: “Thai mask.” Right: “I lean on you”

“Hana”

“We don’t see eye to eye”

“Chinese opera mask”

“Malisa”

“We’re gonna be okie”

#acrylic painting#hands#Malisa Suchanya#painting#portraits

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