How have Covid-19 restrictions impacted the livelihoods of Malaysian kolam artists?

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Covid-19 Restrictions Significantly Hampered Livelihoods of Malaysian Kolam Artists

The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent implementation of movement control orders (MCO) in Malaysia have severely affected the income and business operations of kolam artists. Ruben Prakash Antony Albert, director of S4SKY Rangoli Kolam Malaysia, experienced a drastic reduction in commissioned projects, with his team completing only 10 kolams in 2020 compared to their usual annual average of around 30. This decline in work is directly attributed to the widespread cancellation of events, which constitute a primary source of revenue for artists in this traditional art form.
Reduced Commissions and Financial Strain

Ruben Prakash Antony Albert, a professional kolam artist, reported that his commissions for the year fell to approximately one-third of his typical annual earnings. This financial strain was a direct consequence of the restrictions imposed during the MCO, which led to the cancellation of numerous events such as weddings and corporate launches. Typically, his team would undertake about 30 kolam projects annually, but this figure was reduced to just 10 in 2020, highlighting the significant economic impact of the pandemic on his livelihood.
Impact on Event-Based Income Streams

The core business model for many kolam artists, including Ruben, relies heavily on participation in various events and festivals. The MCO enforced the cancellation of these gatherings, thereby eliminating a crucial income stream. For instance, Ruben's ability to secure commissions from long-time clients like Mid Valley Megamall was uncertain, as the mall's decision to continue with kolam decorations for Deepavali was a hopeful sign after a period of uncertainty.
Coping Mechanisms and Eventual Resumption of Work

While the pandemic presented substantial challenges, the approach of festive seasons like Deepavali has offered a partial recovery for some artists. Ruben, for example, was able to resume creating kolams for shopping malls in the Klang Valley, such as Mid Valley Megamall, Bangsar Shopping Centre, IOI Mall Puchong, and KL Eco City Mall. These commissions, often elaborate and requiring several days to complete, provided a much-needed boost to business, underscoring the importance of such events for the artists' financial stability.

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How have Covid-19 restrictions impacted the livelihoods of Malaysian kolam artists?

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