ART has the power to challenge entrenched perspectives and remind people of their shared humanity.
It is therefore essential to create accessible and inclusive environments where art can be encountered, appreciated and discussed.
Former National Art Gallery director-general Prof Datuk Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa said this while launching Avantx Art gallery in Sunshine Central, Penang.
“Spaces like this provide opportunities for the public to experience artworks and reflect on the messages the artists are trying to convey.
“It’s also a platform for artists and collectors to interact, becoming a bridge for investing,” he said.
The 418sq m gallery – located on the third floor of the mall in Air Itam – is a labour of love by Penang-born independent art curator and collector James Ong.
He has established and run multiple galleries since the early 1990s, but the latest is currently one of the few that is housed inside a shopping centre.
“After many years operating private galleries, I chose a mall environment to make art more accessible to a wider audience.
“The new space also offers a larger exhibition area, greater capacity to showcase more artworks, better comfort and security for visitors, as well as a temperature-controlled environment that is ideal for preserving and storing paintings,” he said.
The opening show featured pieces from his personal collection.
Future ones are expected to feature local and international artists on quarterly rotations.
“What distinguishes Avantx is the unique dialogue between East and West, presenting both contemporary art and traditional Chinese brush paintings within one space.”
Ong has over five decades of experience in the Malaysian art industry, having graduated in fine art from the Kuala Lumpur College of Art in 1977.
He began his career in commercial advertising, producing visual art for many major brands.
He later developed his expertise in restoration with a stint at Taiwan’s National Palace Museum.
As a gallery owner and curator, he organised numerous exhibitions and played an instrumental role in advancing the visibility of Malaysian artists through major sales and auctions.
“Despite spending many decades in the art field and experiencing numerous openings, moments like today are still meaningful to me,” he said.
“What brings me the greatest joy is gathering friends, artists, collectors and cultural representatives together in celebration of art, culture and community.”
Ong later took Prof Mohamed Najib and current National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad on a tour of exhibits.
He also mingled with guests, providing them with information about the artists and themes behind featured pieces.
“Art has always been a part of my life and speaks to me beyond words.
“What continues to fascinate me is that a piece never stops revealing new meanings.
“A painting I have seen many times can still surprise me years later with a different emotion or perspective.
“This is why I believe art enriches us in every way, not only materially but also through knowledge, connections, experiences and cultural understanding.
“It sharpens our five senses and teaches us to observe the world more deeply,” Ong added.
An exhibition by solo Russian artist Julia Volchkova has just opened at the gallery.
For details, call 017-910 0999.
