Brunei’s creative scene is thriving with talented individuals who transform their passions into meaningful work. From bold illustrations to nostalgic crafts, thoughtful creations, and playful designs, these homegrown creatives are making an impact both locally and beyond.
In this feature, we highlight four artists, Chipzat, Wappy Art, Nekocraft, and Iqra Corner, sharing their journeys, inspirations, and the driving forces behind their unique creations and passion.
*Chipzat: Loud, unfiltered and unapologetic*
For graphic and illustration artist Chipzat, art has never been separate from who she is. It has always been instinctive, something she gravitated toward long before she ever considered it a career.
“Anyone who knew me when I was little would know that I was constantly drawing on any blank paper I could find. It wasn’t something I planned; it was just always there. I was creating, exploring, and expressing myself from such a young age that I cannot imagine a life without it.”
Growing up immersed in early 2000s pop culture, she found herself drawn to aesthetics that felt rebellious, loud and unapologetic. Think smudged eyeliner, messy sketchbooks, pop punk on repeat and the kind of attitude that questioned everything. That era left a permanent imprint on her creative DNA. The angst, the honesty, and the refusal to conform now echo through her bold colour palettes and sharp compositions.
Her decision to take illustration seriously was shaped not only by recognition but by seeing possibilities reflected in her.
“I realised my potential when I got featured on local websites like justbruneians. Being chosen as a contestant in Brunei’s first art reality show really made me believe that I could pursue this seriously,” she shared
“That feeling only grew stronger when I was invited to regional programmes like the Maybank Foundation and TAPAUfest in Malaysia. Listening to other artists talk about their journeys and seeing their work made me understand that it was possible for me too,” she added.
At the core of Chipzat’s work is rebellion, not for shock value, but as a reclamation of self. Her artistic identity is intentionally loud.
“My art reflects being vocal in being your most authentic self. It shows in the colours I choose and the textures I love,” she explained.
Rawness is not accidental in her practice. It is deliberate. The textured surfaces, the sharp edges, the saturated tones all speak to a desire to remain unfiltered in a world that often demands polish.
“My inspiration first and foremost comes from my own personal experiences as an artist navigating through life, my emotions and all that I consume. When it comes to art visual inspiration, I gravitate towards illustrations that show the reclamation of one’s own autonomy. Anything that empowers women and our sexual identity and body.”
That sense of empowerment is deeply tied to the early influences she experienced growing up. The pop punk defiance of the 2000s, the unapologetic femininity that pushed against expectations, and the idea that vulnerability could coexist with strength all shape the emotional undertones of her work.
“For me, self-expression is at the core of what art is. Art is political in the same way that existing authentically is political. I do not create art to seek comfort or validation but to reveal truth. I want people to see that being vulnerable is not something to fear,” she shared
“Showing your authentic self opens the door to confidence and connection. I hope that those who see my work feel less alone, because isolation is the enemy of anyone trying to live fully,” she added.
Over the years, her style has evolved alongside her growth. From realism to abstraction and eventually into a more illustrative, sharp-edged approach, the shift mirrors her personal transformation.
“There’s an apparent evolution from being a realism artist to more abstract and then to more illustrative art styles. Recently, someone messaged me about one of my old works and noticed that my art style back then had more fluidity as opposed to now, which is more sharp-edged.”
That sharpness feels intentional, almost symbolic. Softer lines have given way to stronger outlines, clearer boundaries and bolder declarations. It reflects a woman who has grown more certain of her voice.
Within Brunei’s creative space, she finds strength in community and shared conversations.
“My artist friends support me and sometimes the collaboration makes me feel less alone in doing my art. It keeps the hope alive. Selling my art at pop-ups allows me to network and discover other local artists. Ideas spark mostly through art conversations.”
Even when faced with challenges around valuing expressive art in a small market, she remains grounded in authenticity.
“There aren’t many artists who are more out and expressive offline. Also, reminding myself to keep my value and prices according to what my worth is is important because the majority of Bruneians aren’t willing to pay for art, especially more authentic self-expressive art, as compared to art that’s under an already bigger fanbase,” she shared
For Chipzat, staying raw and unfiltered is non-negotiable. Her work is not meant to be comfortable. It is meant to be honest.
“Your style is a reflection of who you are. You are your art unconsciously, so be confident and trust yourself. Opportunities only come when you make bold decisions. Keep creating, stay true to yourself, and everything will unfold as it should.”
*Wappy.arty: Preserving Brunei’s culture, one cat at a time*
Mohd Abdul Wafiy Bin Budin, better known as Wappy, is the creative mind behind Wappy.arty. A self-taught illustrator with a deep love for drawing cats, his work blends playful charm with heartfelt cultural storytelling.
Wappy.arty began in 2021 during a World Environment Day event organised by JASTRE. He had volunteered to help with the setup, but during the event, local artist Zati Rahman encouraged him to create a sculpture of his own. Nervous yet determined, he challenged himself to complete it. That experience reignited a passion for art that had always been present in his life.
As a self-taught artist, he gradually explored digital illustration, experimenting and refining his voice. By 2025, he began participating in pop-up events, slowly introducing his work to the public. In the beginning, he hesitated to sell his pieces, unsure if they were ready. Encouragement from fellow artists, however, gave him the confidence to step forward and share his creations more openly.
“Wappy.arty started as a fun passion project and eventually grew into a business as I devoted more time and energy to my art. Initially, I went by Wafiybud.art, but in 2023, I rebranded to Wappy.arty to create a playful, approachable, and memorable name. It reflects the energy and creativity I bring to my work and allows me to connect more closely with the audience who enjoy and follow my art.”
According to the 27-year-old, cats define his visual universe. Instantly recognisable and full of personality, they allow him to communicate cultural stories in a gentle and accessible way. His inspiration is deeply rooted in Brunei’s heritage and in childhood memories shaped by family.
“My art is inspired by Brunei’s culture and my childhood memories, especially the stories my grandma used to tell me. I use clean lines and vibrant colours to create simple, recognisable illustrations full of personality. Each piece reflects the warmth, stories, and cultural details that shaped me and the experiences I cherish most.”
Though fictional, each character carries pieces of his lived experience. His illustrations are vessels for nostalgia, tradition and identity, presented in a way that feels accessible to all generations.
His style has evolved alongside his confidence as an artist. In the early stages, he experimented with more realistic and detailed work while searching for direction. Over time, he realised he found greater joy in simplicity and character-driven storytelling.
One of his most meaningful pieces is “Kenangan,” a two piece art print set inspired by childhood moments with his grandparents.
“One of my favourite art prints is ‘Kenangan,’ a two-piece set depicting childhood memories. In these illustrations, a family of cats eats ambuyat and takes fish out of a boat, reflecting moments with my grandparents. They are meaningful because they capture the cultural moments and personal memories that shaped who I am today.”
His best-selling series, “7 Puak Meowlayu Brunei,” features cats dressed in the traditional outfits of Brunei’s seven ethnic groups. Stickers and prints from this collection have resonated widely, as audiences connect with the joy of seeing cultural heritage represented in such an endearing way.
Pop-up events have played an essential role in strengthening his brand and storytelling. He shares that pop-up events are crucial because they allow him to connect directly with people and share the stories behind his art. They help him promote pride in Brunei’s culture, preserve traditions, and introduce Brunei’s heritage to people from other countries.
The local creative community has also been a steady source of motivation. He explains that the local creative community has been a great source of inspiration and motivation. Seeing other talented artists encourages him to grow and improve his work, keeping him confident and inspired.
There are challenges, particularly in engaging younger audiences who may feel less connected to traditional culture, as well as the financial commitment required for pop up participation. Yet these obstacles have only strengthened his resolve.
“My proudest moment has been seeing people appreciate Brunei’s culture through my artwork. Knowing that my illustrations share the country’s stories, traditions, and memories with others is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep creating.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his reach while remaining grounded in cultural storytelling. New products centred on Brunei’s heritage and collaborations with local artists, are already in the works. His goal is clear. To share Brunei’s stories with a wider audience and allow more people to experience the traditions and memories that inspire his art.
Through playful cats and cherished nostalgia, Wappy continues to preserve culture in a way that feels warm, accessible and deeply personal.
*Nekocraft : felt, colours and childhood memories*
Aqilah Syukrina Binti Naain runs Nekocraft.bn, where she brings felt art, zines, and collage to life with playful nostalgia. She started the brand in late 2024 during a period of burnout from her main job, seeking a way to reconnect with her creativity.
“I decided to go back to a medium I enjoyed as a child, which is crafting, and this led to my branding focusing mainly on nostalgia,” she shared.
The name Nekocraft comes from combining her love of crafting with the Japanese word “Neko,” which means cat.
“Cats naturally became a recurring theme because they reflect both my aesthetic and the whimsical, approachable vibe I want my work to have. I like to reinterpret them in odd, unexpected colours and give them a nonchalant attitude,” she shared.
Her style is playful yet bold, often using primary colours to create a sense of nostalgia and visual impact.
“I try to create work that is simple but also visually striking, so people of different ages can relate to it,” the 22-year-old explained.
However, launching Nekocraft.bn came with challenges, particularly in finding an audience that resonated with her aesthetic.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting was finding the right audience who understands my style and shares the same creative interests as I do,” she shared.
Social media, especially Instagram, has been vital in reaching a wider audience, allowing Aqilah to showcase her work and connect with people who appreciate her creative style. She shares different types of artwork, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her crafting process, and other content that keeps her audience engaged and inspired.
Beyond online platforms, craft markets and pop-up events have played an equally important role in her journey. These spaces give her visibility and a chance to meet other creatives, sparking collaborations and new ideas that continue to shape her work.
Being part of a collective of local artists has been one of her proudest achievements.
“Working alongside like-minded creatives allows me to learn, collaborate, and grow while staying inspired,” she explains.
To keep her creativity fresh, she surrounds herself with others in the creative community and draws on physical media like old cartoons, magazines, zines, and illustrated children’s books.
Looking to the future, Aqilah hopes to expand Nekocraft internationally and explore new product categories, including a clothing line featuring her designs.
Her advice to aspiring artists is straightforward: “Don’t be scared to express yourself creatively. Take your time to build your brand, but don’t forget to have fun with it—enjoying the process is still part of being creative.”
Through felt, colour, and playful reinterpretations of cats and nostalgia, Nekocraft.bn showcases how personal memories and cultural influences can become universal, tangible, and inspiring works of art.
*Iqra Corner: Reflection, thoughtful words for book lovers*
Hanisah, 38, founded iqra_corner in 2014 during her final year at university. Inspired by a love for books and reading, she wanted to create meaningful products that encourage reflection and positivity.
“Before graduating, my older sister suggested I start my own business because it was difficult to find a job, and there was no guarantee I would get one immediately after finishing my studies. I accepted her suggestion and began selling Islamic books, starting with just $100 from my allowance,” she recalled.
The name iqra_corner reflects her passion for reading and her intention to spread thoughtful messages.
“Iqra is one of the verses in the Qur’an, which is a command to read. I added the word corner because it was inspired by my own room, which is like my personal library — a place where I relax, read, and calm my mind,” she explained.
Over the years, the business has expanded beyond books to Islamic-themed and bookish handmade products such as stickers, bookmarks, badges, keychains, and the Qur’an Jar. Each item combines her own designs with commissioned doodles by local artists.
Hanisah’s creative process blends thoughtfulness with practicality. She starts by brainstorming and experimenting with products in the morning, then focuses on design, order preparation, and customer engagement in the afternoon, leaving evenings for family.
Her goal is for each product to convey meaningful messages and gentle reminders.
“I hope that all my products can convey a meaningful message — which is to spread da’wah,” she shared.
Running an IG-based business comes with its challenges, particularly staying consistent and keeping designs fresh. Pop-up markets and expos have been essential for visibility and connecting directly with customers.
“Customers prefer visiting expos because they can see the items in person. However, as sellers, we have to pay rental fees, and sometimes the sales are only a little, so it requires patience and continuous learning,” Hanisah shared.
Her proudest creations include the Qur’an Jar, introduced in July 2025. Starting with just three jars, it quickly gained popularity, selling over 60 units. Hanisah believes it resonates because it provides a beautiful and meaningful way for people to stay connected to the Qur’an.
Looking ahead, Hanisah is exploring new products, including a Qur’an journal, an updated Qur’an Jar, a reading journal, handmade bookmark beads, and learning to sew book covers and sleeves. She also plans to participate in larger expos, such as MSME Brunei, to connect with other local businesses and showcase her handmade creations.
Her advice to aspiring creators emphasises patience, integrity, and purpose.
“Don’t rush and don’t take shortcuts. In business, honesty and good manners are essential. Move slowly as long as there is progress, and set your intention for the sake of Allah, to help those in need,” she said.
Brunei’s creative scene is driven by passion, dedication, and individuality, clearly shown by these four artists. Chipzat channels raw emotion and bold expression into her illustrations. Wappy brings Brunei’s culture to life through playful cat characters. Aqilah creates nostalgic, colourful crafts that spark joy and imagination. Hanisah inspires reflection with her thoughtful,l handmade creations.
Together, they highlight the diversity and talent of Brunei’s homegrown creatives, showing how passion can connect, inspire, and leave a meaningful impact. Their work proves that creativity is not just a pursuit but a force that shapes communities, celebrates culture, and encourages others to explore their own artistic journeys.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
