Monday December 4, 2006

Karachi showcase for 18 artists

By LIM CHIA YING
Photos courtesy of Wei-Ling Gallery

Artist Bayu Utomo Radjikin's acrylic and charcoal on canvas piece, entitled 'Portrait Series II'.

EIGHTEEN of Malaysia's most progressive contemporary artists will have their works flown to Karachi, Pakistan for an exhibition there next week.  

The exhibition, entitled 18@8 Kuala Lumpur-Karachi, is an initiative by Wei-Ling Gallery in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, and is considered the first of its kind in Pakistan where art lovers have yet to view a show of contemporary Malaysian art of this scale. 

The exhibition is regarded as one of gallery's most ambitious to date, and it will be the first time that a significant show of Malaysia's contemporary artworks outside of Malaysia!  Gallery director and owner Lim Wei-Ling said the exhibition, to be held at renowned Pakistani sculptor Amin Gulgee's gallery space – Amin Gulgee Gallery – features 18 selected artists whom she felt best represented the gallery and what she believed in. 

“This is in line with our objective of taking contemporary Malaysian art beyond our shores, and exposing it to a more international audience.   “18@8 will be an annual feature for our gallery. However, the list of artists will change from year to year, based on the development of the artists' works.   “Our aim is to take every alternate 18@8 exhibition to an international venue, so this 18@8 Kuala Lumpur-Karachi marks the first of many more international exposures to come,” said Lim during a recent press conference. 

The 18 artists whose works will be exhibited in Karachi are veteran artist Yusof Ghani, Anurendra Jegadeva, Phuan Thai Meng, Chan Kok Hooi, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Hamir Soib, Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Umibaizurah Mahir, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Choy Chun Wei, Yau Bee Ling, Izan Tahir, Sabri Idrus, Hamidi Hadi, Multhalib Musa, Ivan Lam, Chin Kong Yee and Juhari Said. 

Recalling how the exhibition came to be, Lim said she had offered Amin Gulgee an exhibition space at her then gallery, known as Townhouse Gallery, in 2004, after a chance meeting with him during a trip to Pakistan in 2003. 

“Amin Gulgee's sculptures are monumental creations that combine the best of both East and West, yet incorporating Islamic elements.  

A mixed media on canvas entitled 'Gold Fish Series', by Ahmad Shukri Mohamed.

“Through his manipulation of copper and bronze, his works have a fluidity that transcends qualities of the material he works with. Thus, we jumped at the opportunity of having him showcase his works here.  “Following Amin's successful solo exhibitions here, we decided it would be good to take a group of Malaysia's leading contemporary artists to an exhibition at Karachi. Thus, this exhibition was conceived,” said Lim. 

Izan Tahir, one of the 18 selected artists, said she was excited as this was the first time that she was going to Karachi. 

“I'm proud that my works will be exposed beyond our local shores. This exhibition will also show that Malaysian images are universal, so it's definitely a good start for us,” she said, beaming.  

Yusof Ghani said he had submitted one artwork from his latest Wajah (Faces) series for the exhibition.  

“Wajah, when translated, means 'faces', so my latest series is concerned with the package of life - work, job, and family – and we must respect this package.  

“We have to face problems, face headaches, and sometimes people take advantage of this. It is important to know that everyone has their own package and it is only when we come to respect that, that love can come together,” explained Yusof.  The painting, said Yusof, was painted in his trademark vibrant hues of orange and yellow and was, he deemed, much more colourful than his past series.  “It's just fantastic to take 21 artworks by a group of Malaysian artists to Pakistan, which has a thriving art scene!  “Malaysian art is still perceived by many as just watercolour paintings of kampung and sampans. This show will exhibit the contemporary ideas that are a true reflection of the artists,” said Lim. 

The exhibition will take place from Dec 11 to 22. 

The main sponsor is HSBC Malaysia while sponsors are MAS Kargo and two Pakistani corporations – International Industries Limited and Arif Habib Investments Limited. 

For details, call 03-2260 1106.