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Northern Malaysian Scenes Art Exhibition
From the archive. The date and writing reflect the original record.
Six Kedah artists reflect their state’s rural life and culture in the ‘Northern Malaysian Scenes Art Exhibition’
GEORGE TOWN: SERVED up in a melting pot of different genres, styles and mediums, a collection of artworks by six artists from the country’s rice bowl state of Kedah are currently on show at the Galeri Seni Mutiara at Whiteaways Arcade in Lebuh Gereja. The exhibition is on until Nov 4.
Aptly titled Northern Malaysian Scenes Art Exhibition, the works of Calvin Chua Cheng Koon, Fong Kim Sing, Kang Ah Sim, Keng Seng Choo, Lee Choon Kooi and Tean Wei Gin depict the daily lives of people in rural areas, as well as cultural events and natural treasures of the state. They are done in oil, ink, watercolour and acrylic with “soft light” effects in many of them.
Gallery director and curator Koay Soo Kau said it was an opportune time to show the works of artists from the northern state which has produced many outstanding artists at national and international level.
“This exhibition comprises works by young, contemporary artists from different artistic backgrounds.
“All of them reflect the simple and laid-back lifestyle of rural Kedah in different ways,” said Koay.
With vast tracts of paddy fields, Kedah’s artists often naturally feature paddy scenes prominently in their works of art.
“The paintings are imaginative, expressive and unique with a wide range of versatility shown by the artists,” added Koay.
Guest-of-honour Bertil Samuelson, 62, formerly from Sweden, was impressed with the quality of the works. “My wife and I visit museums frequently in Europe where art exhibitions are always held.
“So we have collected several artworks along the way. “We have only been in Penang for just over a year and already we very much like the works of Malaysian artists we have seen so far,” said Samuelson, who as usual was accompanied by his wife, Siyldine, 58, at the exhibition. Samuelson migrated to Penang under the Malaysian My Second Home scheme.
“We have not regretted this decision one bit. “The various cultures, fine weather and the wide variety of food has been a boon to us.
“We definitely made the right decision in settling here,” said the businessman and chief scientific adviser in research and development to Swedish pharmaceutical companies.
The gallery is open daily from noon to 6pm. Admission is free. For details, call 04-262 0167 or 016-444 0167.