Govt will ensure local art remains lively and relevant: Masidi
Published on: Friday, September 19, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the State Government will always emphasise the exporation and promotion of mixed media art and ensure local art and culture remain relevant and lively. "This is because such artistic works play a vital role in fostering and maintaining the national identity and cultural heritage. This exhibition celebrates the splendour and beauty of our natural landscapes while illustrating the cultural diversity of Borneo," he said, adding that the exhibition will also introduce two prolific artists from Sabah, Awang Damit and Yee I-Lann."So the exhibition allows Sabahans to view and appreciate high quality artworks which also include local Sabahan works from the Galeri Petronas in Kuala Lumpur. ADVERTISEMENT "We hope that Petronas will consider making this exhibition an annual programme so that fine arts lovers in the State can see more of these works which are kept in the Petronas Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.Masidi was speaking at the launching of the Galeri Petronas "Pertumpuan: Senusa Sejiwa" contemporary art exhibition at the Sabah Art Gallery,Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Thursday, where 30 selected works from the prized Petronas Art Collection are currently being exhibited. The contemporary art exhibition recognises home-grown artistic talents and celebrates Malaysia's diverse natural landscapes.Masidi said the State Government commended Galeri Petronas' ongoing efforts to promote the country's visual art development while sharing its precious art collection with Malaysians. ADVERTISEMENT "I believe the exhibition formed from selected invaluable works from the Petronas Art Collection is capable of stimulating the public to explore the world of contemporary visual arts which is fast developing."Art can become a medium and important platform in educating the public to appreciate the natural world which is a treasure for us to develop the country. The understanding of nature can allow us to appreciate an ordered living system which appreciates traditional values to be balanced with a contemporary community way of life so it can maintain and continue the identity and cultural legacy of Malaysians."
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Masidi opioned that the local contemporary art industry has unlimited potential for growth and the variety of resources in the country will continue to encourage our artists to produce more creative works.Speaking further on the exhibition launching which is the first time such an exhibition of Galeri Petronas works is held in the State, Masidi said the programme was not only beneficial to local artists to improve their work but also motivational and inspirational to them so they realise that their talent is equivalent to other artistes in the country.He said there are plans to also set up an exhibition gallery with a retail space facilities where local artists can sell their paintings. "We are aware that many of them currently depend on the Gaya Street Fair as a place to sell their works. "We hope the Government in a way will provide a catalyst for them to improve their work by providing a space for them to sell their work."According to Galeri Petronas Director Rosli Abdul Rahim, the Pertumpuan: Senusa Sejiwa represented the linking of both Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula.It is also testatment of Galeri Petronas "Art for Everyone" vision to provide increased exposure to both artists and the public, while at the same time fostering cultural exchanges and learning opportunities on a regional and global level."The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage experience and enjoy Malaysian contemporary art and the showcase of innovative works of art promotes the discovery and rediscovery of Malaysian artists," he added. Also present was Sabah Cultural Board Chairman Datuk Seri Wences Anggang.