This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on December 4, 2017
A weekend celebrating artistic creations through gallery hops and experienced guest speakers
The Gallery Weekend Kuala Lumpur (GWKL, http://www.gw-kl.com/), taking place between Dec 8 and 10, aims to promote Malaysia’s exciting cultural scene with a dynamic programme. Following its successful inauguration last year, the three-day function aims to celebrate the Malaysian voice and identity as it coincides with our 60th year of Independence. Alongside all the fantastic exhibits are two Luminary Talks which aim to enlighten the public on curatorial practices.
Here are a few of the galleries taking part and the exhibits they have to offer:
Shalini Ganendra Fine Art & Advisory
No. 8 Lorong 16/7B,
Section 16 Petaling Jaya
Exhibit: ROOTS – Emerging Malaysia Exhibition
Artists: Atiq Faris, Shaq Koyok, Alena Murang
Opening: Dec 9, 5pm – 7pm
Featuring three talented and young Malaysian artists, ROOTS – Emerging Malaysia Exhibition will include a range of mediums including traditional print techniques adapted to contemporary practice and painting on pandan weaves.
Exhibit: UNITY
Artists: Developed for GWKL by Veritas Architects in collaboration with Taylor’s University
Opening: Dec 10, 3pm
A showcase interpreting Rukun Negara (National) Principles in the form of five installations.
Taksu Galleries
17 Jalan Pawang, Datuk Keramat,
Kuala Lumpur
Exhibit: Reflections, Group Exhibition
Duration: Dec 8 - 30, 10am – 6pm (Closed on Sundays, except for GWKL week)
Artists: Fauzulyusri, Najib Bamadhaj, Sand T Kalloch, Noberto Roldan, Yogyakarta, Sebastian Tay and many more.
Taksu’s group exhibition, Reflections, features new works by local and Southeast Asian artists. The range of artists brings a wide coverage of mediums and themes from paperwork to Javanese life philosophy. International artists such as Sara Zaer from Australia and Veronica Green from New Zealand will have works displayed in the upper gallery.
G13 Gallery
Ground Floor, Block B, Kelana Square, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya
(behind Paradigm Mall)
Exhibit: Visual Poetry
Artist: Faizal Suhif
Duration: Dec 7 - 30, 11am – 5pm
Visual Poetry consists of fifteen pieces of printmaking artwork that explores the relationship between man and his Creator. The artist draws his inspiration from nature, and delves into how nature is a reflection of life itself. The work also speaks of the concept of sustenance or “rezeki” as viewed through Islamic beliefs. Faizal Suhif’s latest solo exhibition displays his skillful progress while including his signature mark making technique.
Galerie Chandan
Lot 24 & 25 (G4), Block C5 Publika
Shopping Gallery Jalan Dutamas 1,
Kuala Lumpur
Exhibit: (Im)Possibilities
Artist: Multiple artists
Duration: Dec 1 - 15, 11am – 6pm (closed on Sundays)
(Im)Possibilities will include all the artists who have been with the Galerie Chandan team through thick and thin for the past 10 years. The exhibition will highlight the development of artists who have grown with the gallery alongside new upcoming artists.
The Edge Gallery
G5-G6 Mont’Kiara Meridin 19, Jalan Duta Kiara, Mont’Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Exhibit: Disco Lombok Still Life by Noor Mahnun
Artist: Noor Mahnun Mohamed
Duration: Nov 23 – Dec 10, 11am - 7pm
Noor Mahnun’s artwork reflects on home life through domestic objects, quirky illustrations of squids, geometric patterns, oil paintings of still life and distinct portraits. Her exhibition is split into six themes that explore femininity through impeccable renderings of everyday life.
Luminary Curatorial Conversations National Visual Arts Gallery
Email: [email protected]
Date: Dec 8, 5pm – 6pm (4.30pm for refreshments)
Guest speakers: Herwig Kempinger, President of the Association of Visual Artists Vienna Secession, and Christine Boehler, Austrian curator and founder of Literatur + Medien (a project involving digital luminous walls with texts of Austrian writers).
Moderator: Sharmin Parameswaran, independent curator based in Malaysia, will give clear insights into how leading curators select works for projects and exhibitions; art practice institutional leadership, collection and development. Suitable for all.
Places are limited, so reservation is encouraged.
Luminary Pulse Talk — Creating & Collecting Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Email: [email protected]
T: (03) 7932 4740
Date: Dec 9, 3pm
Guest speaker: Hugo Weihe, chief executive officer of Saffronart and past international director of Asian art at Christie’s.
Moderator: Sarah Ichioka, director of Desire Lines (a new startegic consultancy for the designed environment)
Dr Weihe gives insightful advice and meaningful lessons for collectors and art culture lovers based on his extensive experience with auctions, market developments, museums, collectors, art fairs and public perceptions.
Places are limited, so reservation is encouraged.