MALAYSIAN CONTEMPORARY ART COMES TO MELBOURNE
Seasoned Malaysian curator, Huck Theng Ch’ng, defines contemporary art in today’s art world as works that reach beyond modernity and tradition to create a sense of “artistic technology” in the eyes of their beholders.
Going by this definition, he says that contemporary art is still at its infancy in Malaysia as local artists struggle to shed the misconception that contemporary equates art that is incomprehensible to the viewer.
But as many Malaysian artists explore the contemporary path, their work has taken on new depths and dimensions that have caught the eye of international collectors. On October 1, a collection of works from 14 Malaysian contemporary artists will be unveiled at Space@Collins in the second edition of the Arts Kuala Lumpur – Melbourne 2014: Discover Malaysia Art.
The exhibition, which will run until October 12, has been expertly curated by Ch’ng to showcase the best works of veteran and emerging Malaysian artists. These artists comprise the late Ho Khay Beng and Khaw Sia, Fendy Zakri, Haffendi Anuar, Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Ismail Awi, Khairul Arshad, Lim Anuar, Raja Norzlipah Raja Ahmad, Rozana, Yeoh Choo Kuan, Zaim Durulaman, photographer Layzhoz Yeap and 11-year-old Delwin Cheah.
Arts KL-Melbourne is the brainchild of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and is a move towards enhancing the trade relationship between Malaysia and Australia.
“The first edition was very well received and we were amazed that over 200 people turned up for the opening,” Ch’ng remembers. “For this edition we’re bringing in a wider range of art because we want Australians to understand the Malaysian art market from its conception to the current day.”
He pointed out the importance of the public being able to relate to the art by understanding its origins rather merely admire the techniques and finished pieces.
“Knowledge is very important in bringing Malaysian art and the Australian public together,” Ch’ng stressed. “We have very good artists who create extraordinary works but if we don’t engage our target market, it’s like throwing a needle into a hay stack. This is why curating a show isn’t just about the supply but also the demand. Otherwise it’s a dead end.”
According to Ch’ng, the exposure and appreciation of Malaysian art gained at last year’s exhibition had successfully raised the profile of Malaysian artists and led to many being invited to participate in international art exhibitions.
This cross-cultural art exhibition is marked as one of the most important events in Melbourne, and is not to be missed by art lovers and collectors as it presents the rare opportunity to view and purchase Malaysian contemporary art.
Arts KL-Melbourne 2014 will run from October 1 – 12 at Space@Collins at 278 Collins St, Melbourne.
