Young Malaysian Artists: New Objec(tion)

Kuala Lumpur, 19 June 2010 – In conjuction with the nation’s 53rd anniversary, GALERI PETRONAS launched its “CELEBRATE MALAYSIA” themed exhibitions last Thursday.

“CELEBRATE MALAYSIA” which features two new art exhibitions Young Malaysian Artists: New Objec(tion) and Words+Pictures=Book was launched by PETRONAS’ Executive Vice President of Downstream Business Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin. The exhibitions show unique expressions of up and coming Malaysian artists who have been influenced and nurtured by Malaysian elements and whose efforts play an important role in the development of Malaysian art.

The first exhibition, Young Malaysian Artists: New Objec(tion), showcases radical new voices in Malaysian art, while the second, Words+Pictures=Book gives due recognition to Malaysian children’s picture book illustration as an art form.

In Young Malaysian Artists: New Objec(tion), the future of Malaysian art gets charted. Brash, edgy and exciting, this invitational process exhibition features 40 new works by 40 young artists aged between 25 to 45 years old. This free-for-all, no- holds-barred exhibition highlights the range of innovations employed by contemporary young artists today, who challenge traditional aesthetics through their methodology and philosophical concerns in response to the world around them. New Objec(tion) reflects their pursuit to create new objects with abandon, without restraints, rules, barriers or expectations as they attempt to carve a niche for themselves within the wider context of the art world. The participating artists were allowed to explore their true creative inclinations in the hope of unearthing their true great talent and what it contributes to the diversity of Malaysian art. While largely perched in the realm of pop-surrealism, the young artists demonstrate their skills and commentary in very unique ways which both differentiate themselves while enthralling the viewer.

Artworks by participating artists Nurazmal Yusof, Meor Saifullah Lulaed, Haslin Ismail, Deyanna Deraman, Zulhusni Mohd. Ridzuan, Lim Keh Soon, Mohd Sarip Abd Rahman, Samsudin Wahab, Abdul Aziz Mohd. Yusof, Donald Gadius Painus Munsih, Cheng Yen Pheng, Khairina Khairuddin, Noor Azizan Abdul Rahman Paiman, Tan Nan See, Hoo Kiew Hang, Tan See Ling and Wong Min Lik are deeply charged with dark emotional sentiment ranging from cynicism, mockery, frustration, betrayal and even hatred.

Hamidi Hadi, Daud Rahim, Izzadin Matrahah, Chong Ai Lei, Mohd. Afifee Ibrahim, Mohd Nasir Che Din, Raden Erus, continue to steadily emerge within their own strength in conventional painting or drawing disciplines to establish their own respective voices. The more experimental artists such as Ahmad Zuraimi Abdul Rahim, Aznan Omar, Mohd Saharuddin Supar, Mohd Radzi Ismail, Mohd Ali Azraie Bebit, Haffendi Anuar, Nizam Abdullah, Anassuwandi Ahmad, Hazrul Mazran Rusli, appeal to the potential of conceptual art. While artists Azharrudin Mappon, Liew Cheng Hua, Mohd Fadly Sabran, Rini Fauzan Mohd Zuhairi, Saiful Razman, Wong Eng Leong and Yim Yen Sum revive a multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional stance to show the currency of installation art. In all, they offer a glimpse of things to come in Malaysia’s contemporary art with groundbreaking new ideas, expressions and innovations presented through a variety of new video art, photography, installation, sculpture and the conventional medium of painting.

source : virtualmalaysia.com

By : Ariel Chew
Source : Galeri PETRONAS