Southeast Asian artworks, including Malaysian contemporary arts, have become the art world’s hottest properties in recent years as all eyes turn to Asian. The growing importance of Southeast Asian art was confirmed with auction house Christie’s decision to include the region’s art in its autumn 2011 Asian 20th century and contemporary art sales in Hong Kong, along with art from China and other parts of East Asia.
Artists and galleries in the region, from Jakarta to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, are basking in the spotlight. Works by Malaysian contemporary artists have commanded record prices abroad. As a result, Malaysia’s contemporary art scene has also gained popularity and momentum in modern Malaysia.
Art may not be the first thing that comes to mind when a visitor thinks of Kuala Lumpur, but there is a thriving contemporary art scene in the city. Most art spots are, however, in hard-to-find locations. For people seeking some artistic inspiration, below are several ongoing art exhibitions and upcoming events.
The Prayer
How do visual artists view the supreme being? Find out at “The Prayer”, where artists channel their spiritual views and innermost intimate discourse with God.
Located at White Box, Level G2-01, Block A5, Solaris Dutamas 1, Jl. Dutamas 1, “The Prayer” has an impressive line-up of some of the country’s leading veteran artists and popular names in the contemporary art scene, including Datuk Sharifah Zubir, Cheong Laitong, Stephen Menon, Renee Kraal, and Sivam Selvaratnam. The exhibition is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will last until Jan. 31. For more information, phone: 03 6207 9732 or visit http://www.mapkl.org
Works of Ali Mabuha
One of the founding members of the bohemian group of artists called Anak Alam in the 1970s, Ali Mabuha (Ali Rahamad) enjoyed a rich variety of life experiences (his CV reads “1973-2007 – personal journeys and experimentations throughout the world”). His works will be on display until Jan. 31 at Balai Seni Lukis Negara, 2 Jl. Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak. For more information, phone: 03 4025 4990 or visit http://www.artgallery.gov.my
Chan Thean Chie’s Solo Exhibition
Enjoy the homecoming solo exhibition by Chan Thean Chie, the Penang-born artist who now resides in Vienna, at NN Gallery, 53A & 56 Jl. Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir, 68000 Ampang. The exhibition, which will last until Jan. 31, showcases the artist’s collection of works on canvas and paper from 2001 until today, including portraiture and the human expression. Phone: 03 4270 6588 or visit http://www.nngallery.com.my
Antara by Hamidi Hadi
Artist Hamidi Hadi’s solo exhibition showcases his distinct style, with abstract images that hide ghostly outlines of figures. Over time, these specters were slowly extinguished for non-representational images, with his artistic journey showcased at Wei-Ling Contemporary, Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition will last until Feb. 2. For information, phone: 017 8877 216 or visit http://www.weiling-gallery.com
Free Lecture on Curatorial Development
Dr. Debra Diamond, associate curator of South and Southeast Asian Art at the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, will present a lecture about the curatorial development of an idea into a world-class exhibition. The lecture is scheduled at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 at Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, 8 Lorong 16/7B, PJ. Renowned for her curatorship and scholarship, Dr. Diamond has participated in many acclaimed exhibitions, from traditional Asian portraiture to contemporary art. The talk is free but attendance will be determined by RSVP by Jan. 29 (Sunday), so time is of the essence. For more information, phone: 03 7960 4740, email to: sgfa88@gmail.com or visit http://www.shaliniganendra.com/
Rafiee Ghani’s Exhibition
Rafiee Ghani’s latest exhibition features India from his trip to various regions and cultures of the subcontinent. His works portray the colorful nation, the essence, vibrancy and subtle romance of India. The exhibition will last until Feb. 3. The exhibition’s venue is at Galeri Chandan, 15 Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. For more information, phone: 03 2095 5360, email: info@galerichandan.com or visit http://www.galerichandan.com
VWFA
Valentine Willie Fine Art (VWFA) is featuring all the artists that will exhibit at their various spaces in 2012. It’s a regional lineup, comprising Indonesians Aliansyah Alin, Jabbar Muhammad and Satria Nugraha, Amy Aragon, Jason Montinola and Kaloy Sanchez (Philippines), Eiffel Chong, Liew Kwai Fei and Vincent Leong (Malaysia) and Huang Wei (Singapore). Check out some of the regional talents at Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st floor, 17, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition will last until Feb.11. For more information, phone: 03 2284 2348 or visit http://www.vwfa.net
