About Fizah –
Urban Sketcher & Live Event Artist Behind Manjachen in Franconia, Germany
My Story – Creating Art in Germany
Hello, I’m Fizah, the Artist Behind Manjachen
I’m a Malaysian-born artist living in Germany as a proud trailing spouse.
My journey here began when I fell in love with a German man, and now, I’m raising our two beautiful children in this wonderful country. Moving to Germany, I’ve not only embraced my new home but also rediscovered my passion for urban sketching, blending the rich cultures of Malaysia and Germany in my art.
Blending Cultures Through Art
Art has always been my passion. While my academic background includes a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Tourism Development, art has remained the one constant throughout my life. My artistic journey began in Malaysia, but when I moved to Germany with my husband, a new chapter began—one filled with urban sketching as a way to connect my past with my new surroundings. As a trailing spouse, raising our children in a new country, sketching became my refuge, my way of understanding and blending the two worlds I now call home. Through my art, I’ve found a way to bridge my Malaysian heritage with my experiences here in Germany, capturing the essence of both cultures in each sketch.
Building Community with Urban Sketching
In Erlangen, I founded Urban Sketchers Erlangen in 2018, a wonderful community where we celebrate creativity without boundaries. Through my art, I’ve not only found a way to embrace my new home, but also to connect with others by capturing the architecture, people, and everyday beauty of this city. Each sketch is like a visual journal of the life unfolding around me, and it’s been an incredible way to share this journey with the local community.
My Artistic Style and Inspirations
I love capturing life’s fleeting moments—whether through minimalist, faceless portraits or vibrant, detailed cityscapes. My surroundings constantly inspire me, from the architecture of Germany to the little interactions that tell a bigger story. My art is a reflection of the world around me, painted in a style that speaks to both emotion and place.
Bringing Events to Life with Live Sketching
I’m passionate about offering Live Event Illustrations, turning your special occasions into something even more memorable. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or a private celebration, I create on-the-spot sketches of your guests—each one a unique, personal souvenir that captures the magic of the moment.
From custom commissions to art prints, or adding a creative flair to your next event with live illustrations, I’m excited to bring your ideas to life. Every commission is personalized and tailored to your vision, while my live sketches add a unique artistic touch that will make any event unforgettable.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to share my art with you, whether you’re interested in a custom piece or booking me for live event sketching. Let’s create something special together!
Education and Qualifications
2017 - 2019
2015 - 2016
2011 - 2014
Learning German Language Intensively in Erlangen
Passed TELC B2 Prüfung
Attended C1 Niveue German Language Classs
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Master of Science in Tourism Development
University Science Malaysia
BSc. Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry
Bristol, United Kingdom
Would you like to work with me? Email me at fizah@manjachen.com
Hafizah Hairi-Ungar’s Art Exhibitions & Showcases
Group Exhibition
Elements – A Group Exhibition by the International Women’s Group (IWG)
June 13th – September 10th, 2024
Galerie Treppenhaus, Erlangen
Explore a diverse collection of paintings and mixed media by international artists. Elements delves into the themes of water, air, earth, and fire, offering a unique artistic perspective.
• Opening Reception: June 13th, 2024, at 7 PM
• Midissage with Live Painting: July 19th, 2024, at 6 PM
Visit the exhibition for live painting events and discover art that reflects the rich, international backgrounds of the artists.
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About My Work:
During the Midissage, I had the pleasure of offering live sketching for guests, capturing the vibrant energy of the event through spontaneous, on-the-spot illustrations. Below are some of the sketches and memorable moments from that day. My contribution to the exhibition is a connected series of four canvas pieces, featuring my signature urban sketches, all painted on location.
Group Exhibition
Soulful Women – A Group Exhibition by the International Women’s Group (IWG)
June 22nd – September 6th, 2023
Galerie Treppenhaus, Erlangen
Soulful Women brings together a dynamic collection of paintings, drawings, and mixed media, showcasing the strength and creativity of women artists from around the world.
• Opening Reception: June 22nd, 2023, at 7 PM
• Midissage Event: July 20th, 2023, at 6 PM
Explore diverse works that reflect the unique cultural stories and experiences of the participating artists.
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Group Exhibition
Urban Sketchers Erlangen: One Sketch at a Time
May 12th – June 21st, 2022
Erlangen City Library (Stadtbibliothek Erlangen)
Explore the vibrant world of urban sketching in Erlangen through this group exhibition by Urban Sketchers Erlangen. Each sketch captures a unique perspective of the city’s architecture, culture, and daily life, seen through the eyes of local and visiting sketchers.
• Opening Reception: May 12th, 2022, at 6 PM
• Exhibition Dates: May 12th – June 21st, 2022
Join us at the Erlangen City Library to discover how urban sketching brings the city to life, showing its beauty from different viewpoints and artistic styles.
About My Work:
As the founder and organizer of Urban Sketchers Erlangen, this exhibition was especially meaningful to me. Our group showcased a wide array of sketches, highlighting different interpretations of the same city—Erlangen. From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, the exhibition demonstrated how sketching can tell endless stories through art.
About the Exhibition:
Urban Sketchers Erlangen is a community of artists who capture life on-location. Our exhibition, “One Sketch at a Time,” invited visitors to experience Erlangen’s beauty through our sketchbooks, with each piece offering a fresh perspective on familiar places. The exhibition highlighted how the same location can be seen differently by each artist, bringing out new layers of meaning.
Group Exhibition
Neunte Ausstellung der IWG (International Women’s Group)
Malerei, Fotografie, Zeichnung, Objekt
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27. Juni bis 4. September 2019
Eröffnung: Donnerstag, 27. Juni 2019, 19 Uhr