Malaysian visual artist and curator Mona KV has steadily carved out a space for herself in the global art scene. Mona’s work speaks in quiet yet powerful ways—exploring storytelling, symbolism and femininity through deeply personal and visually striking pieces. From early childhood encouragement to international acclaim, her creative path is shaped by authenticity, resilience and a commitment to meaningful connection through art. In a recent interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Mona shares the pivotal moments, challenges and inspirations that have shaped her journey.
Mohana Kumara Velu, better known as Mona KV is a Malaysian visual artist and curator based in Kuala Lumpur, whose work explores storytelling, symbolism and femininity—drawing inspiration from emotion, identity and cultural memory. “I graduated with distinction from the Malaysian Institute of Art in 2010 and had the privilege of apprenticing under artists such as Maamor Jantan and Jeganathan Ramachandram. Over the years, I’ve done exhibitions in Malaysia, Europe, the United States and across Asia,” reveals Mona.
“I grew up in a home where creativity was encouraged. My grandfather gave me my first watercolour paint set when I was three and treated every little painting I made like a treasure. Even though I was placed in the science stream at school, my heart always leaned toward painting. Thanks to a family that supported and encouraged me, I had the courage to pursue art,” she shares.
A major turning point came with her solo exhibition ‘Within’ in Bali in 2018. “Although I had exhibited internationally before, that show felt pivotal. It gave me the clarity and confidence to scale up. Since then, more doors opened, and I was honoured with the Woman Art Award in Barcelona in 2024 and again in London in 2025. It affirmed how far I’ve journeyed—and how deeply my work resonates across borders,” says Mona.
Like any creative profession, Mona acknowledges the challenges. “There are tight deadlines, creative blocks, and the balancing act of creative process such as logistics, curation and communication. Staying relevant is also important. It means keeping up with trends, evolving platforms and audience engagement without compromising your voice. I’ve learned to stay consistent, focused and adaptable while preserving the integrity of my work,” says Mona.
Art remains Mona’s way of processing life. “I’m inspired by quiet moments, nature, poetry, observation, passing thoughts and the stories life offers. What keeps me going is remembering why I started. It was never about recognition. Creating gave me clarity, comfort and a sense of connection. When I feel stuck, I return to that space—just me, my thoughts, and the act of creating something honest.”
Authenticity is at the heart of Mona’s practice. “I want to make art that feels like truth. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, sometimes tender but always honest. I also believe in using my platform to uplift others, especially underrepresented voices,” says Mona who previously curated an event showcasing artists with autism and Down syndrome. “For me, art should be expressive and inclusive.”
Success to Mona is not just about accolades or visibility. “It’s about resonance. If someone pauses in front of my work and feels something, that is success to me. If it helps someone feel less alone or more seen, then I have done what I came here to do. I also measure success by how aligned I feel with my purpose—not by how loud the world is, but by how peaceful I am within.”
She dreams of creating a space that unites artists and the community. “A place to create, connect and give back—with artist residency programmes and support for underprivileged communities. I imagine it as a safe and inspiring environment where art and people can grow together. It’s something deeply personal to me, and I hope to make it real in the near future,” shares Mona.
Currently, Mona is working on a new body of work as part of a personal project that she hopes to unveil soon. “I plan to continue showcasing my art internationally, especially across Europe and Asia. I am also exploring new ways to tell stories through different media to keep challenging myself creatively,” she says enthusiastically.
Her advice to emerging creatives is: “Don’t wait for permission. Start where you are, use what you have and create like no one’s watching. Stay curious and humble but never shrink to fit anyone’s version of acceptable. Learn from critique, but don’t let it silence you. And most importantly, keep your heart in the work—it is the one thing no one else can replicate.”