Behind the imposing row of iron sculptures at the Raja Shahriman Art Gallery in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar in Perak, lies a three-decade journey shaped by sacrifice, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to elevating Malaysian sculptural art onto the global stage.
For Raja Shahriman Raja Aziddin, 59, the newly opened gallery represents more than a personal milestone. It is conceived as a public space - one that invites visitors to encounter sculpture as a form of visual communication deeply imbued with values, culture and local heritage.
The gallery, which is open to the public free of charge, houses more than 20 of his original works, each with its own narrative and touching on aspects of Malay culture and local heritage.
"This gallery is a manifestation of my artistic journey spanning more than 30 years. It is not merely about aesthetic beauty, but also the messages we want to convey to society on the value of art and heritage," said Raja Shahriman at the recent official opening ceremony of the gallery.
"I want the public to understand that sculpture is something special … it is a form of communication that is delivered visually to the public,” he added.
Raja Shahriman, the only wrought iron sculptor in Malaysia, previously gained international recognition when two of his sculptures were placed at the Fukuoka Art Museum in Japan in 1996.
The Kuala Kangsar-born artist said the gallery also aims to expose younger generations and people from all walks of life to a deeper understanding of the distinctiveness of local sculptural art.
He believes the initiative can contribute to the positive growth of Malaysia’s creative arts landscape while ensuring that cultural heritage continues to be preserved and appreciated across society.
"I acknowledge that this field has a limited following. However, it carries strong aesthetic value and profound messages. We want society, especially the younger generation, to appreciate sculptural art not merely as a hobby but as a meaningful medium of communication and a valuable cultural legacy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Faeedz Saidi Othman of Think City said the establishment of the gallery was supported by the Kuale Grants Programme under the Kuala Kangsar Sustainable Community Development (KKSED) programme, managed by Think City with the support of Yayasan Hasanah.
He said the selection of Raja Shahriman under the KKSED programme adds value to efforts in strengthening cultural heritage while fostering a more resilient local community in terms of quality of life, economy and culture.
"We also hope this effort will create opportunities for economic growth through creative activities and art- and culture-based tourism,” he said. - Bernama
