KUCHING: As visitors step into Jaja Yusof’s solo art exhibition, they are greeted by wide-eyed whimsical feline figures bursting with emotion, movement and colour that leaps from the canvas to tell a vivid, captivating story.
Nur Yusniza Mohd Yusof, better known as Jaja Yusof, has returned to the spotlight with her third solo showcase titled ‘Naive Perspectives: Colors in Motion’.
Running from May 3 to August 3, 2025 at the Cat Museum, the exhibition features more than 50 works that span her career from fresh pieces to earlier beloved creations.
Known for her vibrant, wide-eyed feline characters, Jaja offers visitors more than just charming visuals, each piece reflects a conscious attempt to channel positivity, tranquility and emotional expression.
The exhibition is a blend of her past and new creations, produced using a variety of mediums, including acrylic on canvas, ink on paper, clay ceramics, and even fabric.
“It’s an expression of art. What you see in the colours and expressions is really me, conveyed through my cat as the subject.
“It’s all about positivity, creating happiness, and imagining a brighter future,” she said when met with Sarawak Tribune during her exhibition that was officiated by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor, Datuk Hilmy Othman, at DBKU Cat Museum here today.
Jaja emphasised that her artwork aims to spread positivity, particularly to today’s younger generation who faces challenges such as anxiety, ADHD and other health issues.
“I think it’s my responsibility as an artist to create positivity towards society, especially towards generation. Because I myself have been through lots of generation from the 80s, 90s.
“So this exhibition is my way of connecting with the people of Kuching, to let them see my work, enjoy the show, and hopefully take away some positive energy,” she added.
While her late father, renowned naïve artist, Yusof Gajah, is remembered for his iconic elephant motifs, Jaja has carved her own niche with cats as her muse.
Her work captures their playfulness and innocence but often carries layered messages beneath the seemingly childlike visuals.
“So, each painting have stories inside. Even though it’s naive, it looks like children’s painting.
“But for artist itself, we’re not just creating. We just, we want to have message. We want to send something.
“I wish people would appreciate art more, especially local artists, as we have so many talented and qualified artists here,” she said.
She noted that in comparison to other Asian countries, Malaysia is still catching up when it comes to fully appreciating art.
“We are a bit behind, but it’s not too late. Art is part of life, and if we didn’t have it, we wouldn’t understand our history.
“Without artists, architecture couldn’t exist, and even mathematicians wouldn’t be able to conceptualise things like the cube,” she said.
