At just 17 years old, Danya Adriana Feri is already making her mark as a young Malaysian artist and entrepreneur. While most teenagers are preparing for exams, Danya is balancing school with exhibitions, commissions, and a growing reputation in the world of abstract art in Malaysia.
Her bold, colourful paintings—often inspired by Malaysian food, culture and iconic buildings —have been showcased at exhibitions and collected by brands and private buyers alike. With clients such as YTL and Marriott, Danya proves that age is no barrier when it comes to creative entrepreneurship.
Finding Her Voice Through Art
Danya’s journey began during Malaysia’s pandemic lockdowns. With school on pause, she turned to drawing and painting to fill her time.
“When I was 14, I tried to copy someone else’s abstract art, and it didn’t work out,” she says. “But that accident helped me discover my own voice and that became the beginning of my style.”
Her artworks feature vibrant colours, bold shapes and motifs of flora, fauna and famous landmarks like KLCC and KL Tower. She describes them as batik-inspired yet contemporary showing Malaysia’s richness, diversity and culture.
The Mantra That Guides Her
Every artist wrestles with self-doubt. For Danya, a personal mantra keeps her focused: “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
These words remind her to trust her instincts and stay true to her vision, especially when juggling deadlines, commissions, and school. “Even when things feel uncertain, I remind myself not to silence my voice. Art is about honesty with yourself first.”
From Hobby to Profession with Mom as Manager
Danya’s art moved from passion to profession when her first painting sold at Art Market Malaysia to a non-family buyer. That sale marked the beginning of her career as a teenage artist entrepreneur.
Since then, she has completed large-scale commissions, sometimes on canvases taller than herself. Projects often celebrate Malaysia’s heritage, from Petaling Street to traditional food. Working with established brands has brought both income and validation.
Behind her is a strong partnership with her mother, who manages client communications and deadlines.
Inspiring Others to Create
For Danya, art is more than art commissions, art exhibitions or being featured in he media; it’s about sparking creativity in others.
Her dream is to open a community art studio in Malaysia, a place where people of all ages can learn, share their love for art and all forms of creative pursuits and create together. She has already experienced the joy of teaching in volunteer workshops and hopes to expand that role in the future.
Rooted in Malaysian Heritage
In an age where many Gen Z creators follow global trends, Danya stands out for celebrating local identity. She intentionally weaves Malaysian motifs and heritage into her work.
“As a young Malaysian woman, I feel more sensitive to my surroundings and history,” she says. “I want other young artists to see that our culture is something worth celebrating.”
Her vision is to inspire both Malaysians and international collectors to see the beauty of Malaysia through her abstract art.
Beyond the Canvas
Creativity fills every corner of Danya’s life. Beyond painting, she enjoys clay sculpting, crocheting, and reading. Recently, she loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, a novel about ambition and identity. Music also fuels her imagination—she’s currently inspired by Birds of Nights by Taehyun of TXT.
These hobbies influence her art, offering new textures, stories, and rhythms that shape her bold style.
A Journey of Pride and Possibility
When asked what she’s most proud of, Danya shares two perspectives:
- Personally, she’s proud of staying true to her passion for art and culture from such a young age.
- Professionally, she’s proud of brand commissions, media features, and collectors who believe in her vision.
Her advice to young creators? “Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start now. Post your work online. Accept feedback and grow. If you keep everything to yourself, no one will know what you can do.”
Despite having SPM exams at the end of October, Danya is already planning for the future – more artwork and more artistic explorations. Danya’s journey reminds us that creativity has no age limit. With passion, courage and a supportive family with mom being her biggest cheerleader, even a teenager can become a Malaysian abstract artist whose work inspires others to pick up a brush.