With everything that’s happening in the world since the start of the year, you’d be forgiven for relying on Instagram way more than you normally should. Since you won’t be parting with the app anytime soon, it’s probably time to pepper your gaze with some seriously beautiful living art. We’re talking about five rising Malaysian artists whose personal lives imitate their signature graphic works. Follow them to enliven your newsfeed with mind-arresting visual meanings. Dhan Illiani View this post on Instagram 3.25 and I cnt remember the taste of the green with the blue, A post shared by Dhan (@dhanilliani) on May 3, 2020 at 12:27pm PDT Despite her young age of 23, Dhan Illiani Yusof already boasts an impressive résumé displaying her multifaceted creativity. Not only is she a visual artist, but she is also a wordsmith – specifically, an editor at Mula Zine , a bi-annual underground magazine known for its independent explorations of Malaysian fashion and culture. Why Malaysian fashion designers are such a hit in Hollywood View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dhan (@dhanilliani) on Dec 12, 2019 at 4:29am PST When not busy pushing cultural boundaries via art, Yusof heeds the calls of fashion brands inspired by her unconventional style. Her biggest break yet: starring in a Tokyo-themed fashion spread for Harper's Bazaar Arabia , decked in all things Chanel Cruise 2019/20. Sharina Shahrin View this post on Instagram “Balancing Act” (2019). Regardless of how empowered I am, I still have a difficult time digesting verbal and physical harassment. I’m tired of being shamed for being a woman. No longer will I give weight to those who believe I exist merely for visual pleasure. Here I’m wearing garments typically worn by men here in Malaysia (kopiah and kain pelikat). #selfportrait A post shared by SHARINA (@sharinashahrin_) on Mar 4, 2019 at 1:58am PST If the marriage of Malay tradition and colourful visual cues sounds like your thing, then you need to follow Sharina Shahrin. This multifaceted artist boasts a colourful portfolio that spans beyond the ordinary canvas, translating her painterly visions across multiple mediums. View this post on Instagram Went through the ebb and flow of life the past month and didn’t feel like myself at all. Finally got back into the studio yesterday and allowed myself to feel. Feels good to be back and connected ️ I’ll be based in Australia for a while come May, so do reach out for any projects if you’d like! #mixedmedia A post shared by SHARINA (@sharinashahrin_) on Apr 23, 2019 at 12:08am PDT Much of Shahrin’s work is done under Everyday Studios, the self-starting space she created after years of studying fine arts and fashion in both London and the Czech Republic. The best showcase of her multidimensional prowess is Baju by Sharina, the fashion brand she created to explore batik both as an art form and conduit for narratives surrounding Malay values and customs. Why does Hollywood love Vietnamese make-up artist Hung Vanngo? Amani Azlin View this post on Instagram bearing a form till the day she surrenders, Air to Air ☁️☁️ from a play time session we did back in May, releasing more soon soon :-) A post shared by amani azlin (@amania_) on Oct 1, 2019 at 12:56am PDT Fashion photographer Amani Azlin proves that beauty lies beyond the glossy and saturated norms we’re used to. Her signature pastel-hued yet no less vivid works are known to push the boundaries of cultural conventions within the local fashion and art scenes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by amani azlin (@amania_) on Apr 9, 2020 at 1:01am PDT Azlin’s best deliveries are often rooted in her love of collaborating with other creatives, including her long-time muse Dhan Illiani Yusof. Her best work to date: the short film she art directed for Malaysian fashion designer Ana Abu, which calls to mind the eerily beautiful, cultish energy depicted in the 2019 horror folk film Midsommar. Shan Shan Lim View this post on Instagram A post shared by shanshanlim (@shanshanlimstudios) on Nov 20, 2019 at 2:46am PST It’s all about the sense of touch with Shan Shan Lim. It’s no wonder why she’s a multidisciplinary artist specialising in textile and surface design. The most direct way to experience her art is to visit the exuberant Chow Kit hotel in Kuala Lumpur, whose Studio Tack-led interiors are accentuated by the textured decorations she had brought to life. View this post on Instagram “The One-Shot Haven” collage commissioned by @pmarshalls for album artwork, March 2019 ️ Really enjoyed making this one! - #collage #sslstudios #albumartwork #albumcover A post shared by shanshanlim (@shanshanlimstudios) on Jun 15, 2019 at 10:26pm PDT If you can feel an element of cultural junctions in Lim’s work, then you’ve sensed right. Her love of textile art is inspired by her childhood in both Malaysia and India, her time studying at London’s Central Saint Martins, and images she collects from her travels. Who is Lewré Lew, Malaysian shoe designer with royal clients? Nurul Atika View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nurul Atika (@newruul) on Mar 4, 2020 at 3:12am PST Love emotional nuances? Then look no further than Nurul Atika’s illustrations. Her nuanced works are as thought-provoking as they are quietly beautiful. From her beautifully curated Instagram grid, you can also tell that she’s a talented photographer. View this post on Instagram Lost in ego. I’m a better navigator anyway shushh (am not). #newruulart A post shared by Nurul Atika (@newruul) on May 6, 2019 at 11:16am PDT Undoubtedly, this 23-year-old creative is constantly informed by her environment at all times. When not combing through the hidden social tensions in city life, she would escape to the beach for a breath of fresh air – and some new visual perspectives. Want more stories like this? Sign up here . Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter . Help us understand what you are interested in so that we can improve SCMP and provide a better experience for you. We would like to invite you to take this five-minute survey on how you engage with SCMP and the news.