‘BALAI DI BALAI’ EXHIBITION AT NATIONAL ART GALLERY SHOWCASES DISTINCTIVE CROCHET ART

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Hanya Satu exhibition titled ‘Balai Di Balai’ (Tatemonologue 2.0) by artist Noorazah Mohd Noor at the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara) from Jan 8 to April 8 presents a distinctive approach by elevating crochet as a contemporary art medium that emphasises values of courtesy and character.

Noorazah, better known as Xeem Noor, 41, is the first solo female artist to present an installation based on her residency experience at the Koganecho Artist-In-Residence (Koganecho AIR) in Yokohama, Japan in 2025.

The Balai Di Balai (Tatemonologue 2.0) work at the National Art Gallery is a continuation of her earlier solo exhibition, Tatemonologue, at Koganecho AIR.

Through the Tatemonologue 2.0 exhibition, Xeem shares her residency experience at Koganecho AIR, translated into an installation in the form of a full-scale replica of her living space at the Yamamoto Apartment.

The installation structure is built using crocheted pillars produced in Japan, while its walls comprise printed fabric panels displaying visual documentation of her residency experience, along with reflective letters she received.

Xeem said the element of good character forms the core of her exhibition to cultivate public respect for artworks, particularly textile art, which is often viewed merely as handicraft.

“Nowadays most people see art as limited to paintings or sculptures, whereas textile art is also a form of art that requires time, precision and strong commitment,” she said during an artist’s walkthrough session at the National Art Gallery here today.

The walkthrough was part of the exhibition’s support programme, providing visitors the opportunity to understand the concept, creative process and narrative behind the work directly from the artist.

Xeem also holds live crochet performances every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday through the creation of crochet carpets, allowing visitors to witness the time and process involved in producing crochet art, thereby enhancing appreciation for textile artworks.

Sharing her views on the future of the local art industry, Xeem expressed hope that more young artists will emerge with fresh ideas to diversify local artworks.

“I also encourage young artists to be more courageous in applying for overseas residency programmes that offer full funding to build identity and mature their respective artistic careers,” she said.

Xeem, who has a background in architecture and fine arts, began working as a full-time artist in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic and has previously participated in art residency programmes in Spain and Frankfurt, Germany.

-- BERNAMA