All things indigo!

D-Day came on 1st Aug..  Launching of Georgetown Festival 2014 - beginning with Mission Blue-Indigo House

Photo by Pek Min Han

But oops... i missed the opening as i booked my flight a little too close to launching time.

The PLACE was wonderful - It is a renovated house - Formerly housed Christian missionaries - The largest mission house in Southeast Asia.

The PEOPLE there - the gallery sitters, volunteers all work hard to get things going and in order, guided by GTF 'seniors'. There were some touch and go moments but everyone rallied together. I'm impressed!

 

The VISITORS were indigo lovers from all over - from locals who came from mainland, Seberang Prai to Klang Valley and across the causeway (Singapore) and tourists from Japan, Vietnam, US, UK, Australia...everywhere!

The POP-UP SHOP --

EXHIBITIONS -
Regina Ibrahim : My Indigo Life

Tradewind Treasures -  Exhibition of Ship-wreck ceramic shard jewellery

- Made into pendants, bracelets, cufflinks

 

Self Edge - an exhibition of indigo artworks from around the world

 

1 MCAT 2013

1MCAT is the acronym for 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism.

What has tourism got to do with art, you may ask?

Launch of the Art Trail Shuttle

SY Lim puts it as ..

A bit of history here, 1 MCAT was initiated by our former Ministry of Tourism, YB Dato' Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen in 2010. It was an unusual tourism product with the intention to introduce foreign visitors to the gripping facet of the Malaysia. This year our new Minister for tourism and culture,  Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri sums up succinctly  "The well-known catch line 'Malaysia, Truly Asia' still rings true, but with 1MCAt on the rise, we may soon be hearing 'Malaysia,  Truly Art', too,"  

In the opening speech the minister conveyed the following;

"Malaysia's natural wonders have been her biggest draw for many years. However, we recognized that our contemporary art industry was burgeoning and compelling- an attraction in itself! 1 MCAT highlights the best of what the industry has to offer, and the festival is also a way to support our local players by giving them the limelight that they truly deserve."

>>1MCAT video for 2013 happenings. The 1001 Malaysian Artists and Sculptors exhibition is one of them!
http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/107/mcat-launching-malaysia-your-new-art-tourism-destination

>>Photos of the 1MCAT launch
http://artmalaysiagroup.com/seni/detail/23

Art Malaysia - actively promoting Malaysian artists and art

I met Liew Kian Yap of ArtMalaysiagroup.com a few years ago. I am constantly at awe at his vision, his drive and his ability to juggle his various art projects, while continuing to publish his magazine, Art Malaysia. He worked tirelessly, coordinating, planning, driving all around Malaysia to visit artists, attending exhibitions,..

Here are some of his up-coming 'projects' and his messages :

ART MALAYSIA ART TOURISM FAIR 
In the wide walkways of shopping malls, in hotel receptions, or the interiors of restaurants and cafes; from quiet corners to lobby areas, don't be surprised if you bump into an art exhibition! No longer confined within the walls of art galleries, clearly, art is now everywhere. And at the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair, art is now for everyone!
 
Along with Malaysia's nationwide effort to promote our artists and artworks to emerge as an art hub of the region, ArtMalaysia is holding our inaugural Art Tourism Fair as a unique platform and ideal destination for artists and art lovers alike.
 
Our country's active arts scene is on the rise; Malaysian museums and galleries have been a scene of robust development for art. Ample space has been made available to nurture and display the most impressive artistic renditions and expressions from this region and beyond.
 
The expansion of art awareness and enjoyment can be attributed to the support of the leadership in this country. Indeed, art has held the attention – and affections – of many, and now, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT) to further that.
 
In a similar vein, local art galleries will be encouraged to hold more exhibitions. While this is good news for the art fraternity, it also has a downside – artists will have to wait longer for their turns to showcase their pieces, as the waiting list has increased. Still, this amounts to a “good problem” and will certainly foster greater anticipation from everyone… the more the merrier!
 
Likewise, art auctions are gaining momentum in this country. Small wonder then, as art is seen as a viable investment in the uncertain economic climate. Art auction houses in Kuala Lumpur continue to record healthy, sales-breaking figures. Furthermore, the frequency of art exchange among other countries is on the increase.
 
Amid this flurry of activities, ArtMalaysia presents the Art Tourism Fair to complement the dynamic art scene by offering contemporary art in a very accessible manner to the ordinary Joe. Hence our theme – Now Art is for Everyone!
 
Outstanding paintings by Malaysian artists are marketed and sold at very high prices, and rightly so. This however, alienates them from many young art collectors. During the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair, art galleries are coming to town in support of putting art into every home and office. The beauty is that you don't need to have deep pockets or dent your bank account to own a masterpiece from a renowned artist. With our 'Now Art is for Everyone' campaign, participating art galleries are selling paintings from RM1,000 to RM30,000.
 
Art collectors, this is your opportunity. Look out for the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair!


kian@artmalaysiagroup.com

Before We Lose Them Forever

Many a times we hear people express deep regret over something or a pet who is no longer with us now. I am sure this holds true to many of us. For this reason, we keep certain things in a form of memory for that something or pet, like a photo, painting or perhaps memorabilia.

Our natural environment is under severe attack due to ignorance, negligence or events beyond our control like natural disasters resulting in the rapid disappearance of many animal species. Tigers, Elephants, Rhinocerous just to name a few. The Tasmania Devil, one of my personal favourite is now gone forever! I can only see them in photos, paintings or some old films.

Towards the cause of preservation, in the coming month of June 2013 from 20th to 23rd,Artmalaysia will be holding an exhibition at the Exhibition Hall at Viva Home Shopping Mall, focusing on the Animals’ Kingdom. Many artists who specialize in animal paintings that are dear to their hearts will be there! All are Welcome, be it just to browse around, contribute or make a difference to our beloved Animals’ Kingdom.

Preservation is our duty to our future generations so that they too will be able to enjoy the beauty of all living creatures that roam our lovely, lonely planet. As our contribution to the preservation of endangered species, ArtMalaysia will be donate 10% of their proceeds of sale from this exhibition to the World Wildlife Fund of Malaysia (WWF).

Your participation is crucial to the rebuilding of our animal Kingdom. Together we can make a difference.

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/gallery/exhibition/39

Langkawi Art Biennale


2014

This initial phase of the process of "migrating" artists to this destination requires more than just a brush...

  

In these recent years, I have been travelling extensively around Asia. I am greatly impressed by the art activities that are held within this region. In my observation on these arty activities, they have evoked my passion to bring such similar event to Langkawi.

My yearning for such event has ignited the idea in me to organise an art biennale. I shared this idea with artists around the world and they are my correlated supporters to make this event possible. Thus, it sparked a great migration of artists to Langkawi. The convergence of artists in Langkawi then forms the Langkawi AIR (artist-in-residence). While dwelling in Langkawi, a natural and untouched island, this destination will serve its purpose for artists to express their creativity during the workshop.

Liew Kian Yap Event Organizer

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/international/years/2014

1001 Malaysian Artists 1Malaysia

An invitation to all ACG members who r established artists and emerging artists who have participated in at least one solo or group exhibition.

One artist, one painting. United in art & diversity of media, culture and love of our country, Malaysia.

A chance to join a royal, charity exhibition, supported Yayasan Di Raja Sultan Mizan (our present Yang Di Pertuan Agung).

MORE INFO:

1. Criteria for entry : Malaysian citizen, must have done a group or solo exhibition before (please attach an updated Bio-data when submitting entry form)

2. Type of Work : One artist, one painting - any media, Maximum size 7' x 7'

3. Date of submission : Between 4th Jan to 1st March, 2011

4. Commission : 50 % of sales price to be donated to Yayasan Di Raja Sultan Mizan

5. To maintain overall quality of the exhibition, applicants & their work may be vetted by a panel. Disrespectful or obsene work will not be allowed.

6. Participation fee : RM50 (refundable if work is not accepted for exhibition)

1001 MALAYSIAN ARTISTS BOOK : In addition, a coffee-table book will be published as a compilation of 1001 artists in Malaysia. Each page will feature 2 artists - coloured print of their work, a photo of themselves, a 150-word write-up of about them and contact no. (tel & email).

This is very exciting for all artists because, due to the sheer volume of this book, prospective buyers are expected to refer to this when looking for artists & their artwork.

This has never been done before, collecting 1001 artists all under one roof. Can you imagine the Exhibition Opening and with the Agung, himself officiating it?

GALLERIES & OTHER ART GROUPS r also welcomed to introduce their members so that this will truly be a 1Malaysia initiative. To acknowledge your assistance & cooperation, you will be listed in all promotions - in print (Art Malaysia magazine, 1001 Malaysian Artist hard cover book) & online (artmalaysia.com.my)

ACG is assisting to gather artists & provide any other assistance to make this exhibitions a success.

Email for more info: acgmalaysia@gmail.com
OR http://artmalaysiamagazine.blogspot.com

A day at the Zig Zag Zoo!

1st Naive Art Exhibition at Zoo Negara.

Naivete is a quality in art that is designed to imitate the presumed innocence of the seven-year olds in the handling of colours, lines and shapes.

The results often seem pre-meditated with the irresistible charm we often encounter in jokes not intended as such, but still leave us roaring to the ground. The sheer act of laughing gives us an immense satisfaction, an experience not unlike the one engendered by the sets of imageries Arbaayah, Bennylita, and Felicia bring forth in their works.

These artists deal with ideas, often spontaneous and uncomplicated rather than with the conventional ways in which those ideas are articulated. Hence their works come across as unschooled, raw pouring of images without proportion as is normally understood, or logic as practiced by most people to survive.

... Prof. Dr. Zakaria Ali

Fakulti Seni & Muzik

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Perak)

Somewhere within the sprawling (120-acre) grounds of Zoo Negara this morning, VIPs, artists, guests & friends & their kids waited for the opening & launching Abby, Bennylita & Felicia's art exhibition. When I arrived (fashionably late), the MC had just begun the ceremony.

The Director of Zoo Negara began by informing us that this is the zoo's 46th year and reminded us that it is run by The Malaysian Zoological Society, an NGO & not part of any governmental organisation. Hence, it is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to run interesting activities for visitors during weekends and for ways to generate income of the zoo. As such 15% of sale of artworks will be given to the society in support of the zoo. (prices range from RM10-RM1,000)

Pn Zanita Anuar, Director Research & Exhibition, Balai Seni Lukis Negara (BLSN - our national Art Gallery) was in full support and called these 3 women artists, heroines for taking the path less travelled, for willing to face challenges in pursuing this form of art.

Why ? Naive art was only given recognition & formally accepted within the professional art circle in mid 20th Century. According to her, many artists who painted in this form never dared dream that their art would one day be accepted into established art galleries during their lifetime. Such are the up-hill struggles faced by these artists.

She was happy to announce that to-date BLSN has in their permanent collection, 12 naive art pieces.

So, in support for our ACG member artists, I hope more people will take the time & come, see, experience what this form of art is all about!

(Exhibitions runs for 2 weeks from 22 Nov-6 Dec, 2009)

Note from the artists :

"ZIG ZAG ZOO is all about adventure, discovery, fun, happiness, responsibility, caring, love, empathy, cherish and colours while enjoying walking zig zag road in the zoo

ZIG ZAG ZOO represents sight and sounds made by the animals in the zoo.

ZIG ZAG ZOO combines visual art and zoo animals and how t hese collaboration can be fun, exciting & rewarding."

I’M NOT... Stress-Denial Rehab Exhibition Art Exhibition

Inspired by their observations of modern life’s hectic pace, a group of seven students who are completing their graduation year at Dasein Academy Of Art present “I’M NOT...” an exhibition about stress.

Using sources of stress and various methods of relaxation as the starting points for their artworks, this is a creative exhibition that will be nothing less than a visual spa. How can you say no to that?
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=208250960284&h=u1g0I&u=ukY9L

When ?

15 - 19 July, 2009

Where?

The Annexe Gallery, Central Market, Kuala Lumpur.

Time?

Mon to Thu, 11am to 8pm

Fri & Sat, 11am to 9.30pm

Who?

Presented by Dasein Academy Of Art Class DGD064

Admission Free

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS: Artist Talk, this Sun 5 Apr, 1pm

Come and hear the artists of The Living Room exhibition talk about the unique pieces they've created.

Covering the artistic process from conceptualisation to realisation, this talk provides an illuminating glimpse into each couple's different approach toward making the home a sanctuary for creativity.

The talk will feature the artists: Azliza Ayob & Kojek, Ili Farhana & Bebe, Lisa Foo & Fabian Tan, Tsuji & Yeoh Lian Heng, Wong Min Lik & Wong Eng Leong, Johanna Varghese & Simon Keogh will not be able to make it as they are currently abroad. But they will be represented by friend and architect Anand Krishnan.

Admission Free See you there!
Cheers,
Jerome Kugan, Media Manager,
The Annexe Galleryhttp://www.annexegallery.com

In the Garden

March 26 to April 11, 2009 10am-6pm, except Sundays & Public Holidays
@Pelita Hati House of Art (Tel: 03-2284 8380)
Art exhibition of new works by ceramic artists Niki Cheong, Frankie Yeevia, Khoo Gaik Sim(ACG members); Liz Joo, Lim Ai Lin, and Elke Lau. Their works are inspired by flora & fauna & artifacts in parks and gardens.

All friends & ceramic enthusiasts are invited to :

Official opening the exhibition on :
- SATURDAY March 28, 2009 5-8pm

Meet the artists session :
- SATURDAY April 4, 2009 1-5pm

KUALA LUMPUR DESIGN WEEK

An exciting week of local & international design 'mega creative' events is coming our way from 27th March - 4th April 2009.

KLDW - "promises a wide mix of creative thoughts and eclectic ideas, of imaginative programmes and inspiring showcases, plus loads more under one grand event of “Show + Shine”, to showcase what we don't have, and to enhance what we do have.

One time, One community, One aspiration...One event to steer and boost “Malaysia's Creative Economy!”"

Having seen their website & read their write-up in the Star papers yesterday, 2 events stand out :

BECOME – Be an ECO friend like Me! exhibition
It was initiated on the realisation that the Designers must play a bigger and more pro-active role in inculcating awareness, change of attitudes and lifestyle among its audience and followers.

Every single person living on this planet is accountable and responsible for his/ her actions. As part of this commitment, KLDW has vouched to make a more concerted effort to do its part in saving our planet; and being a centre of design excellence, KLDW 2009 is an ideal place to foster these values.

This exhibition/campaign will also be implemented as a follow up continuously throughout the years until its objectives have been met.

• To create an awareness program among the City folks community of the importance of conserving the environment.


• To nurture the love for the environment through eco-friendly projects organized by Locals & International Designers.


• To disseminate information and knowledge on how the City folks community can help make a difference and save the environment.


• To change the mindset and lifestyle of the City folk’s community so as to live in a loving harmony with the healthy environment.

OVERALL CONCEPT : “BECOME” is one of the exhibition projects in KL Design Week focusing on saving the environment and a campaign platform urging general public to “say no to plastic bag!” hence, educate our future generation to inculcate cares and loving the natures.

IDEA : We are planning to collect 1000+7 designs from designers from around the world carrying saving the green illustrated messages. These pictures or graphic illustration will be printed on recyclable and reusable bag materials and will be exhibited by hanging on trees around the parks of Kuala Lumpur.

SECRET TENTS
VENUE: CapSquare KL // DATE: 4th April 2009 // TIME: 10.00am - 5.00pm

In an effort to evoke a sense of fun and mystery to the KLDW 2009 project, the city of KL is set to be bombed by an array of Secret Tents, a creative space where anything goes.

Each individual secret tent is expected to showcase unique works of art and design, be it from an individual, a duo or as a collective group. The wide range of displays will represent the thoughts and insights of our very own young guns, our hope for the new Malaysian Creative Economy. It will provide a sneak peek into what we may expect of our design industry in the near future.

OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE WEEK LONG EVENT

Super Motion CONFERENCE : is a unique conference that celebrates the various disciplines of design, animation and motion graphics. This conference is for Designers and Animators who are exploring the possibilities of international careers in these fields.

Maximum Minimalism CONFERENCE : where the crucial issues of contemporary design will be examined. A growing consciousness of environmental and social responsibility calls for simplicity, innovation, sustainability. Good design is a concept that encompasses sensibility with a sense of economy and is often inspired by necessity.

International Designers FORUM 1 : serves as a platform for designers to deconstruct and discuss the happenings and scene of design unique to their city. As each design scene has distinctive features, cultures, art/design history and aesthetics, thisforum hopes to uncover the individual situations and secrets of each city, to better understand each region and its design, in contrast with design on the global level.

International & Malaysian MASTER CLASSES : specially-invited guests and speakers will present their works, as well as share their creative processes, artistic journey, technological know-how as well as details as to how a certain piece of work is constructed.

International EXHIBITIONS & INSTALLATIONS : include an exhibition of the intricate and luscious illustrations of Aya Kato, A retrospective of David Carson's posters, Heath Nash's beautiful creations made out of recycled materials, Double Thumbs-Up Exhibition by IDN Hong Kong, Art & Sound by Dual City Session - Singapore/Japan, New Wave by Jackson Tan, Studio 4°C by Koji Morimoto, Hexa Project from Japan, Lava by Chris Bosse, Sweden Graphics & Uselessshoppe from Singapore.

and the list goes on ..... http://kldesignweek.com/

for EVENTS, DATES & VENUES

Venezuelan Week in Malaysia!

The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Malaysia has organised various culture, music, exhibitions & food at various venues, from 29 Jun to 6 July 2008, collectively called Venezuelan Week to foster ties between our two countries.

Check out the dates & venues :
http://www.venezuela.org.my/3vw3.htm

I have been invited to the official opening of "Indigenous Venezuela : Sonorous Universe" at Muzium Seni Asia (Museum of Asian Art) @ University of Malaya on at 3pm Friday, 4th July, 2008. At 4pm, there will be a salsa performance at the Library compounds.

Its a 3-dimensional exhibition and aims to spread awareness on the diversity of indigenous people of Venezuela - through sounds of musical instruments, dances & specific aspects of their sacred rituals as well as their customs.

If you have the time, do visit this exhibition too.

If you like Venezuelan food, there's a recipe called Back to Life!
http://crazeeeat.blogspot.com/