Penang’s creative scene came alive with colour, culture, and compassion as emerging artist Selma Malasi unveiled her first solo exhibition at 32 Mansion during ‘A Night of Charity, Art, and Music.’
More importantly, all proceeds from ticket sales and commissioned artworks to the Cat Beach Sanctuary in Teluk Bahang, a haven dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating cats.
The event brought together art lovers, music enthusiasts, and philanthropists in celebration of the worthy cause.
The evening featured a stunning collection of Selma’s original oil paintings, each commissioned by supporters whose portraits and personal stories were captured with cultural richness and intricate symbolism.
Many works incorporated Malaysia batik, Korean dancheong, Belgian embroidery, and traditional songket weaving – a visual testament to Selma’s exploration of cultural identity and her ability to weave personal heritage into universal narratives.
At the heart of the event’s success was Nawiza Hanoum Nazir AriL, Selma’s aunt, who was a driving force behind bringing the exhibition to Malaysia. Nawiza played a pivotal role in guiding her niece through the logistics, creative decisions, and community outreach that made the event a success.
From connecting Selma to influential figures in the Malaysian and International art worlds, to securing her internship with CULT GALLERY, Nawiza’s support extended far beyond the exhibition night. Her belief in Selma’s potential transformed a charitable idea into a professional milestone, ensuring the artist’s debut in Asia was both meaningful and impactful.
The collaboration between Selma and Nawiza was sparked by a simple wish from Selma’s great uncle, Lawrence Quah, for better cat care in Penang. Nawiza saw an opportunity to merge her passion for community work with Selma’s artistry, creating an event that honoured their family’s legacy, celebrated Malaysia’s cultural wealth, and gave back to the local community.
Reflecting on the evening, Selma said “Though I was raised in the UK, my roots are entwined with this country. Here, people understand the fabrics, the expressions, and the visual language of my work. It makes sense to begin where the connection runs deepest.”
The night’s success was reflected not only in the warm reception to Selma’s work but also in its tangiband the Meowy Cat Shelter. The funds will go toward improving living conditions, providing medical care, and supporting rehabilitation for rescued cats – a cause deeply connected to the exhibition’s origins.le impact. Through ticket sales and artwork commissions, the event raised a total of RM20,000 which was equally divided between the Cat Beach Sanctuary
The exhibition also served as a tribute to Taha Malasi, Selma’s grandfather and a respected artist whose influence is deeply embedded in her work. As guests admired the paintings and enjoyed live performances, the event became more than just a gallery showing – it was a celebration of art’s power to connect people, preserve heritage, and drive meaningful change.