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The Bearista Project

Brewing Art For Good


The Social Construct of Food & Beverage

Inspired by Starbucks Impression

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) , Design Lecturers

For 25 years, Starbucks Malaysia has been bringing people together, one cup at a time. This Bearista is a tribute to the connections that transcend cultural boundaries, reflecting their mission-"Every cup, every conversation, every community." The warm brown tones capture the comfort of the iconic Starbucks Experience, blending shared moments with a beautiful fusion of tradition and innovation.

In person with the artist.

This bearista is currently displayed at Starbucks Ampang Drive-Thru. Find me


About the artists

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Jeevamalar

Jeevamalar, an educator specializing in graphic design and advertising, has dedicated two decades of her career to inspiring and empowering students in tertiary education. With a deep passion for teaching, she believes that graphic designers are more than creators—they are changemakers with the power to shape a better world through their designs and meaningful projects.

Her unwavering commitment to her students and the creative community is evident in her active participation in community projects and her leadership in organizing exhibitions that spotlight both her work and the exceptional talents of her students. These showcases have not only celebrated artistic expression but have also created platforms for young designers to shine, bridging the gap between education and the professional world.

Under her mentorship, many of her students have achieved remarkable success, earning both national and international accolades in prestigious design competitions. Her ability to inspire innovation and excellence has left a profound impact on countless aspiring designers, instilling in them the confidence and skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

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Anis Che Mat

Anis Che Mat is an educator with eight years of teaching experience and a Fine Art artist. He holds a diploma, degree, and master’s degree in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

As a mask artist, Anis uses masks as a form of self-expression. A versatile creator, he explores various mediums and outcomes, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. His artistic practice draws inspiration from the fundamental elements of earth, wood, metal, and fire. He primarily works with oil paint on surfaces such as aluminium, zinc, canvas, and plywood.

In 2023, Anis held his first solo exhibition, Facing the Mask, at MATIC. His accolades include winning a major award at Open Penang 2015, and he participated in Bakat Muda Sezaman (BMS) in 2020, where he explored performance art.

He is currently working on another solo show at Artas Gallery schedule before 2025 Aidil Fitri . The show features his exploration with new body of artwork related to mythical legends.

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Suhaila Ahmad Zaki

With 16 years of experience at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sg. Long Campus, Suhaila Ahmad Zaki is a highly regarded educator. Her expertise in visual arts encompasses photography and creative imaging. Suhaila, who holds a Master's degree in Visual Communication and New Media Studies from UiTM Shah Alam, is deeply passionate about photography. She utilizes AI technology to convert still images into dynamic motion visuals. Her artistic endeavors focus on Malay culture, transforming traditional analogue techniques through modern digital lenses to safeguard cultural heritage. Future projects include AI-enhanced cultural documentaries to animate historical photographs and celebrate Malay heritage.

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Ts. Mariah Binti M. Johari

Ts. Mariah Binti M. Johari is a lecturer at the Faculty of Creative Industries, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), She holds a Master of Science in Integrated Design Studies (2019) from UPM and has been teaching various subjects related to art and design since 2017. With a professional background as a graphic designer, Mariah brings a keen visual sense and the ability to create impactful designs. She excels in transforming ideas into compelling visuals. Looking ahead, Mariah is developing projects that merge traditional Malaysian art with contemporary design principles, focusing on cultural heritage and visual narratives, as well as branding initiatives for local SMEs to elevate their market presence through impactful design. Her PhD research focuses on integrating emotional design into branding strategies, which aims to publish in academic journals. Through her work, Mariah aims to advance art and design while inspiring future creatives.

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Ravindran Munusamy

Ravindran Munusamy is an educator with 3 years of teaching experience and 7 years of industry experience. He completed Master of Arts (USM), specialised in Photography.

Being in the Photography field, Ravindran has won numerous local and international awards for Wedding Category. His highest recognition was when he received a "Qualified Master Photographer" title from Master Photographer Association (MPA), United Kingdom. Also, Ravindran has participated as a judge in numerous photography competitions.

Besides, while capturing the simplest things, he has learnt to appreciate his life as it is 'right now', instead of wishing for better days ahead. He is thankful for the way his camera offers him gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy life's moment as they happen.

Mini-bearista-Impression-UTAR-2

Purchase this mini bearista to add into your collection. Get it now from your nearby Starbucks store.

A portion of the proceeds from the mini-Bearista will go to the collaborating artists and will also be donated to the Palestine Relief Fund through MERCY Malaysia.