USM Launches UNSEEN Fine Arts Showcase 2026 Exploring Art–Science Synergy
PENANG, 1 July 2026 – The School of the Arts (SOTA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), officially launched the UNSEEN Fine Arts Showcase 2026 at the Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), USM, in collaboration with the Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB), USM. The soft launch was officiated by Associate Professor Dr. Noor Khairiah A. Karim, Deputy Director (Clinical and Sustainability), PKTAAB, USM. The annual exhibition features the works of 30 final-year Fine Arts students, highlighting the intersection of art and science through creative interpretations of the human body, health, illness, and emotional experiences.
Carrying the theme "Physicality of the Unseen," the exhibition explores the convergence of art and science through creative interpretations of the human body, health, illness, and emotional experiences. It demonstrates how artistic expression can provide new perspectives on scientific knowledge and the lived experiences surrounding health and healing.
The exhibition draws inspiration from the students' visit to PKTAAB, where they gained first-hand exposure to scientific and medical research. The experience offered valuable insights into healthcare and biomedical sciences, inspiring the students to transform scientific observations into creative artworks that explore the relationship between science, humanity, and creativity.
Featuring artworks created through painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installation, the exhibition presents artistic interpretations of cellular structures, anatomy, neurological systems, disease, healing, and human emotions. Each artwork reflects the students' individual perspectives while translating complex scientific concepts into engaging visual expressions.
Beyond showcasing artistic excellence, Physicality of the Unseen invites visitors to appreciate the relationship between art and science from a fresh perspective. By exploring the human body through both scientific inquiry and creative interpretation, the exhibition encourages greater understanding of health, resilience, recovery, and hope.
Also present at the soft launch were Associate Professor Dr. Muhizam Mustafa, Dean of the School of the Arts, USM; Dr. Tetriana Ahmed Fauzi, Director of Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), USM; Dr. Siti Rohaya Yahaya, Advisor of UNSEEN Fine Arts Showcase 2026; and Teoh Kai Zhi, Final-Year Fine Arts student and Director of UNSEEN Fine Arts Showcase 2026.
Held from 26 June to 14 August 2026 at the Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), USM, the UNSEEN Fine Arts Showcase serves as the School of the Arts' annual platform for final-year Fine Arts students to present the outcomes of their studio practice and research. The exhibition also provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with the public, academics, industry practitioners, and members of the visual arts community.
The showcase reflects USM's commitment to advancing interdisciplinary learning by integrating the arts and sciences while nurturing creative excellence, promoting innovation, and strengthening collaboration between academia and society. Open to the public until 14 August 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to experience how artistic creativity and scientific inquiry come together to inspire a deeper understanding of the human condition.