These 2 Malaysian-Born Artists Are Turning Heads In Estonia With Batik & Manik Art

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Two Malaysian-born artists are currently showcasing a colourful exhibition at Tallinn, Estonia and it's the biggest love letter to Malaysian culture

From 12 June until 12 August, the Batik-Manik Art Exhibition is open at the Õpik Conference Centre in Ülemiste.

Malaysian-born artist Ouddhena Teern (who lives in Estonia) presents her batik paintings alongside Serena Chan (from Finland), who showcases her 'manik' (beadwork).

What makes their work so eye-catching is the visual journey of nostalgia, heritage, migration, shared roots, and cultural preservation.

Their works hang in the exhibit with wistful elegance. Each piece conveys a different mood and some spotlight iconic Malaysian symbols.

We didn't realise how much we needed to see Malaysia's national flower in a European exhibition until we spotted this beautifully painted hibiscus on a lantern.

Their 2D artworks carry a nostalgic, delicate quality, and incorporate the traditional Malaysian 'corak' we all know and love

The sheer amount of colour and detail etched into these artworks are simply hypnotising.

You can even spot some famous national animals in their work like the Malaysian hornbill and tiger.

One artwork stands out as it features the Visit Malaysia 2026 sun bear mascots, Wira and Manja

Speaking to SAYS, Ouddhena mentioned that they're cross-promoting Tourism Malaysia for Visit Malaysia 2026, hence the clever inclusion of the sun bear mascots' claws. Wholesome and smart!

That's not all — this artwork even incorporates her piece of batik artwork from 2006 (as the frame), showcasing the timeless beauty of batik.

The exhibition doesn't stop at fine art. There are even accessories and clothes on display, like baju kebaya.

Our Malaysian hearts couldn't be beating any harder for these fabulous additions.

The artists even got hands-on with an interactive workshop held on 26 June

So, what does this mean for us Malaysians? According to the Malaysian embassy in Helsinki, the exhibition is "a celebration of who we are as Malaysians".

"When we leave our home countries to build a life abroad, we often reach for art and culture to stay connected to the families, friends, and stories we leave behind. Art becomes a bridge — a tangible tether to our identity and roots," said Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Ali, Charge d' affaires of the Malaysian Embassy to Finland.

The exhibition is an evocative cultural initiative presented by the Project Synergy, a flagship community engagement effort initiated by the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, held under the overarching theme of Roots, Identity, and Preservation of Art, Culture & Heritage.

The exhibition also highlights the embassy's commitment to using the arts as a tool for fostering mutual understanding and stronger ties with Estonia.