Art exhibition pays tribute to Malaysia’s national laureate

(From left) Kasih Bunga Putih exhibition co-chair and director Prof Dr Siti Zainon Ismail, Zain Azahari, Aswara deputy rector and exhibition co-chair Assoc Prof Dr Md Nasir Ibrahim and Usman Awang Foundation chairman Dr Syed Husin Ali at the exhibition.

THE Usman Awang Foundation, through a collaboration with the National Academy of Arts Culture and Heritage (Aswara), is holding the “Kasih Bunga Putih” art exhibition to commemorate the works of the late national laureate Datuk Dr Usman Awang.

The exhibition, which was opened to visitors from July 12, to honour the S.E.A. Write Award, is being held at Aswara gallery until the end of this month.

It displays artwork that are related to or inspired by Usman’s poetry.

Inaugurated by his friend Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, the event gathered the Usman Awang Foundation advisory board members, local artists and loyalists.

“Usman’s works are not just about art but a form of contribution.

“They are nothing less than a national treasure.

“Most of his literary contributions have played a prominent role as they primarily revolve around racial unity, integration as well as the spirit of togetherness,” he added.

Zain said the efforts made by the foundation to cherish the poet’s work was a progressive move.

“By incorporating literature and heritage into such initiatives, the foundation is exposing society to his school of thought that is vividly expressed through the pieces here.”

Zain said an interesting piece on display was the portrait of Usman as a police officer in the 1940s.

“Many may not know that he was in the police force.

“I hope more visitors can experience and value his literary pieces through this exquisite collection,” Zain added.

Attendees also heard the declamation of Usman’s poem Kekasih (Beloved) by his former student Ras Adiba Radzi.