Dani Omar was born in 1996, Selangor, Malaysia. He is a talented artist with a meticulous approach to its aesthetics and has made a strong and positive impression with his unique paintings of Songket.

At a very young age, he has ventures art with a marker pen gifted by his father. From that day forward, he is always looking for the next opportunity to translate life experiences into art. Since 2014, he has led a life fully devoted to the arts. Beginning his journey to pursue his career, Dani holds a Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from UiTM Shah Alam, majoring in ceramic. But ceramics had to take a backseat during the nationwide lockdowns of 2020. It was simply too difficult to get materials, but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it steered Dani back onto the path of painting and towards this current body of work. ‘A Single Thread Affair’ marks the first-ever solo exhibition by Dani Omar.

This series of artworks is an exploration of the connection between the traditional fabrics, Songket, personal identity and life journey. We see Songket textiles dominate canvases in a fashion that is both classical and dramatic, and whilst the body of work’s title pays homage to the single thread that brings the Songket to life. The artist has been inspired by his ancestry, who have brought with it that sense of tradition through many generations with Songket textile. His paintings express these ideas through still life paintings featuring dark backgrounds and accentuating movement and folds of the fabric.

And there is strong belief within ‘A Single Thread Affair’, as Dani hopes his works stir appreciation and desire to preserve the heritage of our Malaysian culture amidst the constant modernisation, and to inspire us to stay connected to our roots. May the works be that thread that binds us all to this goal, and may Dani weave many more tales in his blooming tapestry of art.