In indigo ii (part of the September series), Noor Mahnun Anum draws on the deep, grounded blues of natural dye traditions, referencing both batik and denim—textiles that hold cultural and personal resonance. Here, indigo is not merely aesthetic but serves as a conduit for historical memory and embodied craft. The structured, repetitive pattern contrasts with the organic depth of the hue, creating a contemplative tension between control and intuition. This quiet, methodical composition evokes a sense of endurance and resilience, reflecting how cultural identity and memory can be preserved through the meditative labor of making.

September is a series of works on paper that emerged from Noor Mahnun Anum’s deep engagement with the indigenous plants and traditional arts of her home state, Kelantan. Initially conceived as botanical studies, the series evolved into a standalone body of work, blending disciplined watercolour techniques with personal and cultural references. Drawing from the view outside her studio, batik patterns, and earlier motifs such as zigzags and diamonds, Anum used a faint grid and controlled washes to create intricate, meditative compositions. The process—laborious yet grounding—reflects her commitment to material understanding and formal precision. September also builds on themes explored in earlier exhibitions like Karyakata and Blue Monday, where Anum intertwined colour theory, time, and musical reference points. The series subtly weaves together influences from historical figures like Giotto and Newton with nods to pop culture, including the band New Order, situating the work at the intersection of observation, memory, and conceptual play.