A collection of artworks as diverse as the artists themselves was on display in a conceptual exhibition by ART @ Sepang GoldCoast.
The exhibition titled “Live & Breathe Art 2014” displayed works by six Malaysian artists within individual villas of Sepang GoldCoast Resort. It is Malaysia’s first “room for art” concept.
Artists Sharifah Zuriah AlJefferi, Chia Hoy Sai, Sivarajah Natarajan, Nazmi Ismail, Keat Long and ART’s curator Phillip Wong provided a more personalised journey of appreciation, as they were available to discuss their creations with visitors.
At the launch, the artists banded together to create a live painting as tribute to the MH17 and MH370 passengers and crews, while celebrating the unity of Malaysians.
Sepang GoldCoast Sdn Bhd executive vice-president Wong Mun Chong spoke of the live tribute, as well as how it symbolised unity in celebrating National Day.
“The MH tragedies will be deeply felt as life is one big tapestry and we are all linked, as expressed by this art piece.
“Life, though transient and short, can be celebrated for what it is as we were created to be creative and should channel that energy into our activities,” he said.
Present at the launch was Taman Templer assemblyman Zaidy Abdul Talib, who said interest in Malaysian arts had grown since 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival 2014 (1MCAT) began.
“We now seem to be attracting a different set of tourist profile as art transcends all cultural and racial borders.
“Although we have much to learn, it is the Malaysian identity that consists of multicultural backgrounds that will spur economic growth.
“Our common belief that we are different but similar, makes up Malaysia,” said Zaidy.
The works on display are as diverse as the artists’ cultural backgrounds.
Veteran artist Sharifah Zuriah, 78, specialises in painting on Chinese rice paper using calligraphy brushes as her medium of choice. Her favoured muse is the delicate yet strong lotus flower.
“The lotus flower is a graceful symbol of peace and purity, growing in murky, muddy waters yet it rises above all that is polluted and petty.
“It was a feeling I wanted to share with others because it is something we as human beings should emulate,” said Sharifah Zuriah.
Others who attended the launch were Tourism Selangor general manager Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din and Sepang GoldCoast executive director C.K. Ang.
The exhibition also featured workshops by the artists.
