Malaysian visual artist Mohana Kumara Velu, known professionally as Mona KV, continues to make waves on the international art stage, having been honoured with the Woman Art Award 2025 at the Women’s Essence Show in London, her second consecutive win after receiving the same award in Spain in 2024.

Held from May 8-10 at ST.ART Gallery, the international exhibition celebrates women artists from across the globe, aiming to break traditional barriers and amplify the voices of women in the contemporary art world. “It was such an honour,” Mona shared with FMT Lifestyle. “Being surrounded by talented women artists from around the world was truly inspiring. This recognition means so much to me because the work I submitted was deeply personal.” Mona's artistic journey began when she was just three years old, a spark first recognised by her late grandfather who encouraged her budding creativity with brushes and watercolours.

Growing up, bus rides past the murals on the walls of Kuala Lumpur’s Pudu Prison and quiet moments spent watching artists at Central Market stirred her imagination and laid the foundation for her creative expression. Her formal training began with a course under celebrated watercolourist Maamor Jantan, followed by five years apprenticing under master artist Jeganathan Ramachandram. In 2010, she enrolled at the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA), where she majored in Fine Art and graduated with distinction.



 

Known for her surreal and narrative style, Mona’s work often explores the inner worlds of women, layered with symbolism and spiritual undertones. Many of her acrylic paintings prominently feature female figures adorned with cultural markers such as bindis and nose rings, reflecting her South Asian heritage and love for storytelling. “There’s always a story beneath the surface,” she says. “But I also like to leave space for the viewer to find their own meaning.”

Her inspirations stem from everyday conversations, quiet reflections, and the beauty found in life’s often overlooked moments. Nature in the form of birds, flowers, and organic textures, frequently finds a place in her canvases. Beyond her artistic achievements, Mona is also a passionate advocate for inclusive art. In 2011, she launched “Soaring Colours”, a charity art project showcasing the works of artists with autism and Down syndrome, with proceeds going to the Kirtash Handicap Centre. “Art, to me, is therapy,” she says.

“The most fulfilling part is when someone connects with a piece on a level that goes beyond words. That quiet connection is everything.” Her work has been exhibited internationally,  from New Delhi, Nepal, and Bali to Italy, the United States, and now London. Her solo exhibition, "Within", held in Bali, and her selection to represent Malaysia at the 3rd ASEAN-India Artists Camp in Meghalaya, India, marked defining moments in her career. Her featured piece “Alchemy” offered a powerful feminine interpretation of themes from the Ramayana.

Currently in Venice, Mona dreams of one day showcasing her work there too. She remains committed to using her art as a platform for representation, inclusion, and emotional resonance. “I hope to see Malaysia’s art scene continue to grow, with more inclusive platforms that support artists from all walks of life.” Mona KV stands as a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can shape a powerful artistic legacy, one that inspires women everywhere to find and follow their own voice.
 

Source / Image Credit : FMT