About the Artist
Thomas Powell
the Artist
Thomas Powell
A British artist based in Penang, Malaysia, South East Asia.
He has a gallery and studio space at 45 Lebuh Melayu (45 Malay Street).
When not completing projects on site he paints from home or in his studio.
He has collaborated with the likes of IKEA, Netflix, Marvel, Four Seasons, WWF, and most recently Otter Products and Switch World (to name a few).
His paintings on canvas have found their way all over the world and his murals can be seen in South East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Having recently published a book entitled the "Chinese Zodiac and More" based on a 2014 body of work he has been nicknamed the "Zodiac Artist".
He feels that embracing and celebrating cultural diversity is of major importance in today's world. "The immersion of oneself in the culture of others, with genuine interest and respect, allows for understanding and personal enrichment. A world where we can wander without boundaries, with kindness and respect, along with a thirst for friendship, culture and the stories of others – this is a world for our children".
His current personal works often utilise Chinese Opera characters. He has started exploring themes around globalisation, consumerism, perceptions within society, human systems, societal control, finance, business and politics especially in the Western world.
Projects
2019
IKEA
Mural in newly constructed Batu Kawan Store in Malaysia
IKEA collaboration
limited edition prints
OtterBox and Switch World collaboration
Painted large scale canvas with 300 magnetised painted phone cases, enabling dual images when attached to the wall and creating limited edition phone cases
Vogue Lounge Murals
Collaboration with Malaysian fashion photographer Daniel Adams to produce 2 murals
Book Publication
"Chinese Zodiac and More" showcasing various murals and other works
Kecik-Kecik
Traveling Group Show in conjunction with Penang Arts District and Hin Bus Depot
Better Together Challenge, World Culture Open
Better Together Advisory Member, in PyeongChang, South Korea
2018
NDSM, Street Art Today, Amsterdam
Large canvas for the upcoming (worlds largest) Street Art Museum
2017
WWF Art for Nature
Sold artwork in ‘Nurturing Nature’ charity exhibition
Studio and Gallery Opened
13 Armenian Street, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Amsterdam Urban Art Festival
A group exhibition including 40 artists from around the world and a Mural painted for the show
2016
‘Doorway to Penang’
Sculptural painted project utilising murals, old Malaysian doors and traditional Malaysian imagery
Tiger White shoot
Online advertising campaign
Muar Mural Project
Large scale mural project on the Dataran Tanjung Emas building
Shell 125 years in Malaysia
Mural project at various Shell stations by various artists celebrating 125 years in Malaysia
Various Murals in Malaysia and Singapore
Various Murals in Malaysia and Singapore
2015
‘From Here to There’
Solo exhibition, Hin Bus Depot, Penang, Malaysia
‘Indian Summers’
Produced various artwork for the Channel 4 TV programme
‘Chinese Zodiac Penang’
A mural painting project in conjunction with Murobond paints spanning the George Town Festival, Penang, Malaysia
Four Seasons
Artwork produced for over 100 rooms in the new Four Seasons hotel in KL
‘AB+C Arts Exhibition & Charity Auction’
Donation of ‘Before and After’, acrylic and print on canvas, 87 x 112cm
2014
‘Indian Summers’
Produced various artwork for the Channel 4 TV programme
‘Think About It’
Group exhibition, Hin Bus Depot, Penang, Malaysia
‘Art For Addicts Sake’
Charity Auction for ‘Focus 12’, London, UK
‘The Chinese Zodiac’
Solo exhibition for George Town Festival & Macalister Mansion, Penang, Malaysia
‘East Meets West’
Group exhibition, a2 Gallery, Penang, Malaysia
2013
Art Square
Group exhibition with Ernest Zacharevic, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Art Accent
Group exhibition, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2012
‘Explore. Dream. Discover’
An ongoing exhibition in various locations
2011
Start project ‘I Believe’
Concert, dance and exhibition, performed and created by working with underprivileged children for a brighter future
Penang joint exhibition / book launch
Included Howard Tan’s photography and Thomas Powell’s map pieces for Penang guidebook by Keith Hockton and Howard Tan
‘Explore. Dream. Discover’
An ongoing exhibition in various locations
2010
RBS - Malihom Artist in Residence (AiR) Programme
– Spent 6 months in Penang, working towards a double themed exhibition ‘Outsider’ and ‘The Goliard’
2009
"Featured Artist"
Riverside Gallery, exhibition curated by Alan Dalgetty, Holmfirth, UK
Group Exhibition
Riverside Gallery, exhibition curated by Alan Dalgetty, Holmfirth, UK
2008
‘Extract’
– Group exhibition with Vanilla Galleries, Loughborough, UK
‘Art Relay’
A promotional painting relay project with Vanilla Galleries, Loughborough, UK
Vanilla Galleries
Initially a collective of around 30 artists whom acquired gallery space for exhibitions and events - Involved in the initial set up and running of events.
Newbloodart
Work produced for the London based online gallery
2006 - 2008
Urban Canvas
Involved in the initial set up and various projects undertaken by the mural painting artist collective