EXPLORING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES OF SILENCE IN VISUAL ART AT OLD KUAH HOSPITAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Exploring the many perspectives of silence through visual art to unravel various questions, including social and environmental concerns, offers a unique experience for visitors attending Pameran Sunyi (Silence Exhibition) at the Old Kuah Hospital, Langkawi, since last Friday.

Showcasing young talents under the 2024 Young Contemporaries Residency Programme, the exhibition serves as a platform for the young artists to develop their talent in contemporary art.

The National Art Gallery in a statement said the exhibition, which runs until Nov 24 from 5 pm to 10 pm, seeks to portray ‘silence’ through the natural beauty of Langkawi and a more tranquil lifestyle, far removed from the bustling chaos of big cities.

“In this context, ‘silence’ is viewed positively, offering a space for reflection and appreciation of higher values in life, akin to the celebration of ‘Nyepi’ in Bali, Indonesia, which is observed in silence and imbued with profound spiritual meaning,” the statement said.

The exhibition features 11 young artists who are active in creating site-specific art installations, including Alvin Lau, Arikwibowo Amril, Azam Aris, Fauzan Fuad, Hannah Moujing, Khabir Roslan, Ng Yi Kee, Ryan Tang, Sim Hoi Ling, Teo Wey Yinn and Ahmad Rajaie.

Officiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman yesterday, the event was also attended by National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad, senior MOTAC officials, department and agency representatives, as well as members of the arts community.

Also launched yesterday was the ‘Bakat Muda Sezaman 2024’ symposium, held over two days until today at the Grand Continental Hotel Langkawi. The symposium discussed the direction of the Young Contemporaries Residency Programme and the importance of understanding site-specific and community art concepts.

“The symposium aims to inspire young artists to produce relevant works of art that align with the designated themes in preparation for the upcoming Young Contemporaries Competition,” the statement added.

The symposium also brought together expert panelists, including curators and artists such as Azzad Diah Ahmad Zabidi, Wong Hoy Cheong, Moelyono, Dr Tisna Sanjaya and Muhammad Hazrin Abdul Malek @ Moktar, who is also the director of the National Art Gallery Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA