This Artist Translated Malay Proverbs Into Drawings With An App On His Phone, And They Are Beautiful

The following are Malay proverbs, adapted by artist Hyrul Anuar into a series of visual images using a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Each drawing is created layer-by-layer using the ‘Skechbook For Galaxy’ app. And each teaches an important lesson.

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1. The sea’s depth can be predicted, but no one can know what’s in someone’s heart.

Laut Dalam Dapat Di Duga, Hati Manusia Siapa Yang Tahu

Lesson: It is difficult to understand what others feel, but one must always try.


2. Like a monkey obtaining a flower.

Monyet Mendapat Bunga

Lesson: If you are filled with conceit, then you will not appreciate what you have been given.

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Instagram

3. Spit into the sky.

Meludah Ke Langit, Akhirnya Muka Sendiri Yang Basah

Lesson: Be cautious of stupid actions, as you will embarrass yourself.

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Instagram

4. Soak in the tears.

Berendam Air Mata

Lesson: Do not be one who is constantly sad.

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Instagram

5. Like dogs fighting over a bone

Seperti Anjing Berebut Tulang

Lesson: Keep yourself from being greedy.

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Instagram

6. Binding the stomach.

Mengikat Perut

Lesson: Save money.

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Instagram

7. Last legs entangling the neck.

Kaki Lepas, Leher Terjerat

Lesson: If you become bad, you will no longer be able to hide from the evils within you.

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Instagram

8. Back stabbing.

Tikam Belakang

Lesson: Be careful who you trust.

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Instagram

9. Like a frog trying to be a cow.

Seperti katak hendak jadi lembu

Lesson: Do not attempt what is beyond your limits.

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Instagram

10. A lot of mouth

Banyak Mulut

Lesson: Do not be one that speaks with loose lips.

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Instagram

11. Not yet with teeth but already able to bite.

Belum Tumbuh Gigi Sudah Pandai Menggigit

Lesson: Until you have power, do not act with force.

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Instagram

12. Eating one’s own heart.

Makan Hati

Lesson: Stay strong, even when you face pain caused by someone else.

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Instagram

13. Biting the hand that feeds you.

Menggigit Tangan Yang Menyuapkan Nasi

Lesson: Always appreciate what others have given you.

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Instagram

14. Carrying the lizard.

Mendukung Biawak Hidup

Lesson: Despite the non-beneficial work you complete, be purposeful in everything you do.

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Instagram

15. A wolf in chicken’s clothing.

Musang Berbulu Ayam

Lesson: Do not try to be anyone but yourself.

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Instagram

Artist’s note: “The proverbs and their deep values represent a period of distress while I was homesick in Italy, unable at first, to blend into the culture and lifestyle of the locals. This series was inspired by a time of darkness; with traditional art expressed through technology, I was able to overcome such adversity.” Thought Catalog Logo Mark

Marisa is a writer, poet, & editor. She is the author of Somewhere On A Highway, a poetry collection on self-discovery, growth, love, loss and the challenges of becoming.

Keep up with Marisa on Instagram, Twitter, Amazon and marisadonnelly.com

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