Building bridges: (from left) Tom Abang Saufi, Malek and Lauridsen at the opening of Collect Art World. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Poland has opened its first art gallery in Malaysia, featuring a collection made up of Polish artists.
Named Collect Art World Gallery, it was jointly opened by Polish Embassy deputy head of mission Dominik Malek, National Visual Arts Development Board chairman Datuk Dayang Fatimah Tom Abang Saufi and owner-cum-art curator Monika Lauridsen.
The gallery features a collection of selected works by Polish contemporary artists from fine art academies such as Monika Wejcman, Sylwia Szafert, Prof Michal Sikora, Marta Kunikowska-Mikulska, Mal-gorzata Rudzka, Jacek Mirczak and Marta Zawadzka.
“The idea to open a Polish Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur was mooted in 2019 at the KawaLykSztuki, a famous art gallery located in the heart of Warsaw,” said Lauridsen in her speech at the opening.
She also promised that in due time, the gallery aimed to support Malaysian artists by showcasing their artwork back in Poland.
“With the motto ‘Art Beyond Borders Unites Hearts and Nations’, Collect Art World Gallery is planning a monthly exhibition by Polish and Malaysian artists.
“It aspires to be a trendy, cultural hangout and art hub featuring old cultural films in a bohemian-style garden. We also plan to host talks and programmes about artists, designers, singers and other art curators,” she added.
Lauridsen said the Collect Art World Gallery had its own art studio, where visitors could sign up for customised art classes.
“It is ready for teenagers and adults who would like to explore the idea of painting and playing with colours but do not have the needed facilities at home. It is a chance to create a new art-bonding family time or simply paint in solitude,” Lauridsen said.
Collect Art World Gallery is located at 282 Lorong Maarof in Bangsar. — Bernama
