Kumari Nahappan
Line Dance: Unique 1/5, 2023, Bronze, 34 x 41 x 15 cm
Kumari Nahappan
Details:
Kumari Nahappan (b. 1953, Klang, Malaysia) is a prominent Southeast Asian artist based in Singapore. Her interdisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, and installations, blending international contemporary art with her cultural roots.
She has received numerous awards and exhibited globally, including at ANIMA MUNDI (Venice), Tropen Museum (Amsterdam), Mori Museum (Tokyo), and Seoul Art Centre. Her public sculptures can be found in Kuala Lumpur’s G Tower, Manila’s J.Y. Campos Centre, and Zhongshan Park, Shanghai.
Education:
1976 Further Education Teacher’s Certificate, City and Guilds, London, England
Diploma in Interior Design, WillesdenCollege of Technology, London, England
1992 Advance Diploma in Fine Arts, LASALLE College of Arts, Singapore
1995 Master of Fine Arts, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Art
Born in 1953 in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia, Kumari Nahappan is a leading figure in Southeast Asian contemporary art. Now based in Singapore, she has built an illustrious career that spans painting, sculpture, and large-scale installations. Her work masterfully integrates the language of contemporary international art with a deeply personal visual identity shaped by her cultural heritage and philosophical beliefs.
An Artist of International Acclaim
Kumari’s artistic achievements have earned her numerous accolades, with exhibitions showcased both in Singapore and internationally. Her major exhibitions include the ANIMA MUNDI International Art Festival in Venice, the Tropen Museum in Amsterdam, the Mori Museum in Tokyo, the Museum der Kulturen in Basel, the Seoul Art Centre in Korea, and the Museum Rudana in Bali.
Sculptures in Public Spaces
Beyond galleries and museums, Kumari’s sculptures have become iconic landmarks in public spaces across the world. Notable works include her installation at the G Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and her striking pineapple sculpture at the J.Y. Campos Centre in Manila. Her presence extends to China as well, with a work installed at Zhongshan Park in Shanghai.
Through her bold and evocative creations, Kumari Nahappan continues to shape the landscape of contemporary art while staying true to the cultural narratives that inspire her practice.
Robin: Unique 1/3
2010
Bronze
38 x 37 x 26 cm
Two To Tango: Unique 1/5
2024
Bronze (High-polished)
49 x 18 x 10 cm
Erika: Unique 1/5
2024
Bronze (High-polished)
20 x 25 x 15 cm
15 Stories: Unique
2023
Fiberglass
168 x 18 x 18 cm
Klara: Unique 1/5
2014
Bronze & Patina
16 x 42 x 16 cm
