Showcasing Johor’s natural beauty

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JOHOR Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman hopes that local artists will showcase the state’s rich flora and fauna through their paintings.

He said that through such work, Johor would be able to expose the beauty of its national parks to not just Malaysians, but abroad.

“Many years ago we had a team of artists who went on an expedition to Gunung Ledang to capture its beauty through paintings. “Last year, a team of 50 artists went to Taman Endau-Rompin. Maybe next time we can organise a trip to our islands,” he said at the launch of the Endau-Rompin art exhibition at Danga City Mall here recently.

Ghani pointed out that the public should also appreciate the work done by local artists and be willing to purchase them for their own personal collection.

“We are also keen to purchase such art to be shown in offices at the state’s new administration centre, Kota Iskandar in Nusajaya,” he said, adding that there were about 100 water and oil based art done by local artist.

Meanwhile, graphic designer Shahrul Anuar, 25, described the artwork on display as inspiring.

“I feel that the artists have a lot of talent in bringing out the beauty of the state’s natural heritage.

“I will definitely encourage my friends to come check out the exhibition as it was a good place for gaining inspiration for our own work in future,” he said, adding that his favourite was the flora and fauna art section.

Another visitor Grace Siow said that prior to the exhibition, she had never heard of the Endau-Rompin park.

“It was only after coming here to admire the beautiful art that I learned more about the place.

“The exhibition is a good way of introducing and promoting Johor’s hidden treasure which is Endau Rompin,” said the 25-year-old.

Meanwhile, Danga Bay mall’s advertising and promotion assistant manager Nur Adilah Nuha Abdullah said they record about 100 visitors daily.

“The visitors of the exhibition were usually those from the art industry and art lovers.

“Those who are interested in the paintings can ask for the artist’s information from the counter as the art pieces were available for purchase,” she said, adding that next year, the gallery would feature a different theme and concept.

The exhibition is free and opens daily until Sunday.