Six artists meld diverse approaches for closer community ties
A MESH of textures, colours and different artistic methods on display at a new contemporary art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur highlights how diverse ideas can come together to express harmony.
Jointly organised by Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) and Satu: Creative Collective, “Harmoni: Warna & Jalinan” brings together artists, cultural practitioners, academics and the public to explore the concept of mélange, highlighting how diverse ideas, experiences and artistic approaches can merge to create meaningful expressions of harmony.
National Cultural Council chairman Tan Sri Norliza Rofli, who launched the exhibition at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, commended the organisation for its longstanding efforts in promoting arts and culture within society.
She said it was important to expand such initiatives so that more people, particularly young folk, had opportunities to experience the arts.
In an era where many young people faced isolation within their own worlds, cultural spaces could serve as a safe and welcoming environment to engage with creativity, build connections and broaden perspectives, she added.
The exhibition features the works of six Malaysian artists – Ady Ezwan Nordin, Dr Elias Yamani Ismail, Faizal Suhif, Fakir Md Nor, Mohd Nizam Radzaly and Nik Mohd Husyaidie.
Drawing on the philosophy of the late Soka Gakkai International president Daisaku Ikeda, SGM president Johnny Ng said art possessed the power to connect hearts beyond barriers of nationality, race and ideology.
“In a world that often focuses on what divides us, this exhibition reminds us that our differences are not a source of friction but our greatest strength.
“Diversity, when woven together with respect, enriches dialogue and inspires creative harmony,” he said.
Elias Yamani, who is also exhibition curator, highlighted the journey of Satu: Creative Collective, which is celebrating its 25th exhibition presentation.
He said the collective had consistently sought to make art more accessible to the public by using public spaces as platforms for engagement and participation.
Beyond exhibitions, the collective contributes to the development of Malaysia’s arts ecosystem through education, research and community initiatives.
The ceremony featured a poetry recital by Malaysia’s sixth National Laureate Prof Emeritus Dr Muhammad Salleh.
The event also hosted Wisma Kebudayaan SGM’s 25th anniversary logo award ceremony.
Organised to commemorate the institution’s milestone, the design competition invited creative talents to design a logo embodying its enduring spirit of art, culture, education and peace.
Out of 10 selected entries, Kelvin Chew received the grand award for his winning design.
Meanwhile, a literature appreciation session was held in conjunction with the exhibition, featuring a dialogue between National Laureates Prof Muhammad and Datuk Dr Zurinah Hassan on the interplay between literature and visual art.
The dialogue interpreted visual artworks through the lenses of literature, humanity and peace.
Zurinah welcomed the initiative to strengthen collaboration between writers and visual artists.
Prof Muhammad shared how an experience in Portugal inspired his writing, adding that he believed discussions regarding art would be more comprehensive if they also involved composers or music arrangers, given music’s close relationship to the literary process.
“Harmoni: Warna & Jalinan” runs until June 28 at Harmoni Soka Gallery, from 11am to 5pm daily except Mondays.
Admission is free. For details, visit harmoni-soka.org
