Artist Jason Min (left) telling local art gallery owner Cheong Mei Fong an interesting detail about his painting of a traditional opera performer. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
ARTISTS of all ages have come together to display their best works in Penang Art Society’s 69th Annual Exhibition titled “My Masterpiece”.
Held at Penang State Art Gallery (PSAG) in Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, there are oil, watercolour, acrylic and ink paintings, pencil sketches, batik, sculptures, photographs and mixed media works.
These depict everything from natural landscapes to city scenes, culture, wildlife, flora, portraits and abstracts, offering insights into what inspires the 134 artists.
Organising chairman Shen Ying said the society received overwhelming submissions from members this year, especially among the younger ones.
“It is heartening to see their new expressions and ideas.
“This healthy participation shows that the local art community is thriving and has much potential.
“Every artwork is special in its own way.
“If you spend some time appreciating it, you will realise that the capacity to create is boundless,” she said at the show’s opening.
(From left) Ch’ng, Yeoh and Lee Khai chatting with one of the participating artists about his work.
Penang Art Society chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the organisation was one of the oldest and largest art societies in Malaysia, having been founded in 1963 with a membership of over 750 today.
“Our mission is to promote arts and culture as we believe it not only helps the industry but also fosters unity and understanding among different races in Malaysia.
“This is because art is a universal medium that does not discriminate,” he said in his speech.
He urged the Federal Government to look at gazetting art as a compulsory subject in schools so the younger generation would grow up with a better understanding of its importance and value.
“A country without arts and culture is akin to a body without its soul,” Ch’ng added.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin agreed, describing creative industries as a major pull of tourism today.
“Visitors nowadays are looking for unique experiences that they cannot find elsewhere.
“As such, we are working very hard to promote our local artists to the world.
“By nurturing home-grown talents and giving them a platform to showcase their works, we can position Penang as a creative hub,” said Yeoh.
Also present at the launch was PSAG board chairman Lee Khai. The My Masterpiece exhibition is being held at the gallery’s third floor space until June 28.
It is open for viewing from 9am to 5pm (closed on Friday). Admission is free.
