Siund Tan's 'Light Year' (oil on canvas, 2018). Photo: MAF
The fifth edition of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF)’s ArtAid, an annual fundraiser, continues to highlight the impact of the AIDS epidemic and to provide an opportunity for artists to contribute to this cause.
ArtAid 2019, set to be the largest fundraiser since its inception in 2015, is showing at Whitebox, Publika in Kuala Lumpur till Oct 27 (10am to 10pm daily).
It features 59 artists and more than 60 contemporary artworks, ranging paintings, multimedia works and sculptures.
Participating artists include Afiq Faris, Ed Roger Rosili, Faizal Suhif, Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Kim Ng, Khairudin Zainudin, Suddin Lappo, Kow Leong Kiang, Siund Tan, Tan Lu Man, Umi Baizurah Mahir @Ismail and Zac Lee.
ArtAid, the brainchild of artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar, was created as a platform for fellow artists not only to challenge themselves artistically but also to challenge the views that are detrimental to the progress we have made in addressing the AIDS epidemic by bringing to the fore silenced voices and experiences of people living with HIV through their art.
Unlike previous editions of ArtAid, there is no theme for this year’s exhibition and the artists were given space to explore and express their creativity.
Artwork prices range between RM1,000 and 80,000. All purchases are tax deductible.
Proceeds from ArtAid has been, and will continue to be used, to support various initiatives that help put people living with HIV on sustained treatment, financial assistance schemes and special programmes for rural patients.
Money raised is also used to support shelter home programmes for women and children living with HIV, where residents are nurtured back to health through proper care and adherence to treatment.
To date, the ArtAid exhibition series has raised RM1.3mil for MAF.
