Human Watching : Mystical realism and the art of Jeganathan Ramachandram - 17 Feb 2009 - 15 Mar 2009

Human Watching is the result of 14 years of research culminating with Jeganathan Ramachandram' residency at GALERI PETRONAS, KLCC in year 2008.

This exhibition, which began literally as an exercise in watching people, explores the artist's new age mystical approach to understanding human nature through the study of faces in relation to the day in the week that the sitter was born on. Each of his 14 paintings focuses on the general characteristics and physical attributes as well as the compatibility of life partners of those born on a particular day.

Also shown is a video comprising fragments of thousands of photographic portraits of both famous and anonymous individuals arranged according to the day of the week on which the subject was born, which was collected by the artist over the course of his research.

Human Watching continues at the Bustle Gallery till 15 March 2009.

The exhibition Human Watching's limited edition commemorative postcards is available for purchase at the GALERI Shop. Postcards(7): RM15

Art Appreciation Series: An Introduction to Contemporary Art in Malaysia

Galeri Petronas @KLCC

Join curator & writer Beverly Yong, Director, Rogue Art as she gives an introduction to the background and practice of contemporary visual art in Malaysia through a series of informal talks and discussions.

Admission is Free and open to all. Limited Participants per Workshop so please call 03 – 2051 1228 (Rofiah) or 03-2051 7717 (Juaini) to secure your place.

Part I: The Malaysian Art Scene: Art in Context
Tuesday, 31 Mar 2009, 6.30 pm
This first part of the series takes a look at the different forces that have shaped contemporary art practice in Malaysia. This includes the development of our art history, and art market, education and infrastructure. It also reflects on why local contemporary art is relevant and interesting to our experience in the many forms it takes, and touches on the regional and international context Malaysian artists operate within.

Part II: Painters, Sculptors
Tuesday, 14 Apr 2009, 6.30 pm
Part II takes a look at a Malaysian kaleidoscope of painterly visions, from modern masters still working today to exciting young painters who are becoming all the rage, from formal abstraction to social narrative. It also explores contemporary Malaysian sculpture, whose power is often rooted in local forms, craftmaking and materials, and our cultural heritage.

Part III: Breaking New Ground
Tuesday, 28 Apr 2009 Time: 6.30 pm
Part III introduces some of the innovators working with 'alternative media', and the processes and ideas behind art works which involve installation, performance, found objects, text, sound, video, photography, digital technology and more. A related phenomenon is a rising interest in interactive public art, with artists and artist-groups exploring ways for art to involve the viewer and the community at large, finding support from public and private institutions

http://www.petronas.com.my/galeri/gpcontent.nsf/frmset_programmes_lists?OpenFrameset

The Annexe Gallery @CM

Wondering... What's happened to the Central Market? You should pay it a visit. But before that, do check out the latest exhibitions & art activities lined-up for the coming months. Be the first to see both local & foreign artists latest creative endeavour....

http://www.annexegallery.com/

"The Annexe Gallery, located behind the recently rebranded Central Market, was launched in January 2007 as a centre for contemporary arts. Making the perfect complement to the more traditional Central Market, The Annexe Gallery provides spaces for the ongoing expression of present generations – whether they are artists or audiences, locals or tourists, young or young-at-heart. We hope to bring together folks from all walks of life in the shared adventure of art in order to make the arts a vital part of Malaysia’s public and private life.

We are proud that The Annexe Gallery is able to contribute towards the growth and awareness of Malaysian arts and cultural scene at the same time provide an avenue for the youths of today to observe, and for others to express themselves creativity.

Not only will this go towards the promotion of a creative class of social and economic thinkers but eventually boost Malaysia’s tourism industry and further boost its foreign income. With the accessible and central location served by various modes of public transport systems such as public and tour buses, KTM Komuter and LRT lines; we believe it is a great location as the “Meeting Point of Kuala Lumpur” arts and culture scene to get together."

CNY greetings from Balai Seni Lukis Negara & Muzium Seni Asia, UM

Hey, ACG members - the 'Balai' (National Art Gallery, Malaysia) still remembers us!

Here's a CNY card from Dr. Mohamed Najib bin Ahmad Dawa, Ketua Pengarah BSLN. The card features a Chinese brush painting by Prof. Liu Hai Sou entitled "Birds of Spring" 1967-001.

But what I missed most is Pn Wairah's (former Ketua Pengarah) card which features her own painting!

Btw, this year is the Balai's 50th Anniversary (1958-2008).

Happy Golden Anniversary, BSLN!!

We are also on the mailing list of Museum Seni Asia, Universiti Malaya. Here's their CNY card : It features an antique 'kendi' (water pitcher) - Kangxi (AD 1662-1722) from their collection.

"Porcelain Kendi of this quality are very rare. In the insular South-East Asia, Chinese porcelain was the symbol of high social status and welfare. People also believed that porcelain had magical attributes."

Their kendi collection is the biggest in Malaysia. The museum is open to the public.