Galeri Petronas to enrich Sarawak’s diversity with its latest exhibition

KUCHING: Galeri Petronas’ latest exhibition “Pertumpuan: Senusa Sejiwa” showcasing 30 selected artworks from the priceless Petronas Art Collection, celebrates Sarawak’s revered landscape and diversity of people, its majestic rainforest captured on canvas.

Some of these artworks are from the Land of the Hornbill itself.

“The philosophy of the exhibition enables the audience, especially the younger generation, to explore the historical, cultural, social and economic developments in Malaysia, and to appreciate the concerted effort by our nation in promoting the growth and development of the society we enjoy today,” said Galeri Petronas director Rosli Abdul Rahim.

The exhibition, to be held at the Sarawak Art Museum in Kuching from June 19 to Sept 2, will showcase some of the works of famous local art exponents such as Yeo Suh Chan, Bangie Embol, Raphael Scott Ahbeng and Tsai Horng Chung.

Artistic: “Pepper Farm” by Tsai Horng Chung.

Besides the prominent artists from Sarawak, works by Datuk Sharifah Fatimah Syed Zubir, the late Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, Ivan Lam, Johan Marjonid, Yong Mun Sen, Yee I–Lann, Haron Mokhtar and Nadiah Bamadhaj will also be showcased.

Jointly curated by South East Asian modern and contemporary art historian and writer, Shireen Naziree, and the Petronas Art Collection Unit, Pertumpuan Senusa Sejiwa constructs and deconstructs the perception of temporality of existence, while simultaneously differentiating it through a nostalgic journey which idealises the past and celebrates the present and through the passage of time, preserves this valuable heritage for future generations.

“The exhibition also provides an exceptional and rare opportunity for the public to witness the interpretation of diverse subjects through the artworks of prominent Malaysian artists while serving as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate our home-grown artistic talents, a philosophy which underpin’s Galeri Petronas’ motto, Art for Everyone,” said Rosli.

According to Rosli, the exotic people and untamed natural flora and fauna of Sarawak’s lush jungles and diverse landscape is an important source of inspiration for artists over centuries.

Thus, he added, the Sarawak Art Museum was indeed an ideal place to showcase the enchanting landscape works by some of Malaysia’s leading and celebrated artists.

Fine piece: Handwoven silk pua kumbu by Bangie Embol.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Galeri Petronas and University Malaysia Sarawak will collaborate to organise art seminars, lectures and workshops to promote and further invigorate the intellectual discourse in visual art comprehension and appreciation.

Initiated in 1970s, the Petronas Art Collection comprises more than 1,300 impressive contemporary artworks by prominent and emerging Malaysian artists.

It highlights the evolution of the Petronas’ collection from a modest decorative accumulation to a comprehensive compilation of artworks that comprise contemporary as well as folk art and artefacts that relate to the general intellectual, moral and cultural climate of Malaysian society.

Exhibitions and programmes by Galeri Petronas are in line with its philosophy that embodies the organisation’s long-term commitment towards nurturing, promoting and preserving Malaysian arts to create a holistic society.

For more information, kindly contact: Rashidah Ali, manager, Marketing & Visitor Services: [phone] / [e-mail]

Jamal A Jamaludin, Executive, Public Relations & Traditional Media: [phone] / [e-mail]

Haslizan Jemeli, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications: [phone] / [e-mail]

Galeri Petronas is located at Level 3, Suria KLCC. It was established in 1992 by Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company, to support and nurture the development of arts in Malaysia by providing a versatile, world-class platform for Malaysian and international artists to display their works.

Galeri Petronas has received thousands of visitors since it opened its doors to the public.

With numerous local and international exhibitions, Galeri Petronas aims to make art accessible, enjoyable and engaging to the public and will continue to enthrall audiences with new, exciting exhibitions and public programmes.