A view of leading printmaker Juhari Said's studio space Akal diHulu in Hulu Langat, Selangor, which is featured in the new book 'The Artist's Studio'. Photo: G13 Gallery
Next month, G13 Gallery is set to launch The Artist's Studio: Exploring The Workspace Of 17 Malaysian Artists book and exhibition project that documents the creative spaces and inner workings of contemporary artists involved in the fields of painting, printmaking, mixed media, installations, drawings and sculptures.
G13 Gallery, established in Petaling Jaya in 2010, has been showing a diverse range of art, including major shows by established artists and also regularly introducing emerging artists through its art incubator exhibitions and programmes.
Throughout the last 13 years, the gallery also collaborated with over 240 local and international artists, which have shown potential, relevance, and depth in their artworks.
This upcoming The Artist's Studio book – a 300-page publication – is a year-long project organised by Kenny Teng, the director of G13 Gallery. To coincide with its launch (on Dec 2), G13 Gallery will also be hosting a group exhibition featuring artworks by the artists showcased in the book.
"Within these pages, you'll not only witness the finished artworks but also gain insight into the artist's unwavering dedication, the trials, and the triumphs that underpin their creative process. It is a celebration of the artist's spirit, an invitation to immerse yourself in their unique world," says Teng.
"This book reveals that art is far more than the final piece; it's the journey, the passion, and the relentless pursuit of beauty," he adds.
This publication invites readers into the creative workspaces and studios of 17 Malaysian artists, including Anisa Abdullah, Chang Fee Ming, Chong Siew Ying, Datuk Sharifah Fatimah, Fadilah Karim, Hisyamuddin Abdullah, James Seet, Juhari Said, Khairudin Zainudin, Kow Leong Kiang, Najib Bamadhaj, Nik M. Shazmie, Raduan Man, Rafiee Ghani, Shafiq Nordin, Suzlee Ibrahim, and Wong Ming Hao.
Through insightful Q&A sessions, readers can gain a unique perspective on how the studio environment helps to shape the artists' creative processes.
In the book's main essay, Fuad Arif, a writer and artist, offers his insights into the intrinsic value of the artist's studio, emphasising its role as the very core of an artist’s world.
“Many artists widely hold the view that the art studio plays a central role in nurturing their creative processes,” writes Fuad in his essay titled Open Constraints.
G13 Gallery's upcoming art book project will be launched on Dec 2, alongside an exhibition and a series of videos. Photo: G13 Gallery
“Functioning as a working sanctuary, the studio encompasses a range of activities, with its core purpose being the creation of artworks, while also operating as a place for reflection, discussions, preparations for exhibitions, research, and storage, and for some, it serves as a place to unwind and sleep.
"The presence of a studio is instrumental in allowing artists to maintain their creative journey and make substantial contributions to their professional portfolio and their artistic reputation,” he elaborates.
Alongside The Artist's Studio book (priced at RM280) and exhibition, a series of videos will be launched to provide a multimedia dimension to the artist’s studio exploration.
The group exhibition at G13 Gallery is set to run from Dec 2-23.
