Art that transcends boundaries

Art that transcends boundaries

A SHOWCASE of local colour integrating the cultures of all races is ample evidence of how art can transcend boundaries and bring people of all races and social backgrounds together.

The Painters Destiny exhibition at the Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH), which ends today, sees 25 contemporary local artists of various races unite under a common passion and exhibit their works of various genres to art lovers.

The exhibition is open from 10.30am to 8.30pm.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, PCTH chairman Datuk Lam Wu Chong said that through mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural experiences, closer ties can be forged.

“In Malaysia, different ethnic groups have different ways of life and different ways of painting subjects.

“But nevertheless, in the field of art, there is no distinction of race and religion,” he said.

Lam added that although art was a profession which required much talent, there was little prospect of lucrative returns, with most artists simply living within their means.

He also pointed out that most did not rely on proceeds from their artworks as a primary source of income.

Lam believed there should be better commercialisation of art.

In a technologically advanced era like today, he felt the setting up of an art sales network would be a great tool in publicising and promoting paintings through the Internet.

This would open up the global market demand and provide good prospects for Malaysian artists.

Among the highlights of the four-day exhibition are demonstrations of brush paintings, portrait sketches and sculptures.

Lam said these activities allowed art lovers as well as the public, ample opportunities to observe, study and communicate with the artists, making for an enriching and enlightening art experience.

The 25 participating artists are Ang Swee Hin, Ang Tin Kean, A. Rashid A. Razak, Chong Hip Seng, Cheung Pooi Yip, Cheng Yeow Chye, Chow Chin Chuan, Choh Kok Kheong, Chew Keong Soo, Fong Kim Sing, Jennifer Loo Moh See, Kang Ah Sim, Keng Seng Choo, Lee Hoi Har, Lee Shu Nee, Ong Guik Joo, Oh Chow Moy, Shamsul Bahari, Tean Wei Gin, Tham Peng Choon,Woon Hung Heong, Yeap Goay Hwa, Yeoh Seow Ping, Yong Look Lam and Ong Wah Pheng.

-News courtesy of The Star-