That’s the way to go: Ashok (right) helping a young participant colour the boxes. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: In a bid to cultivate the love for art and the spirit of unity, a local artist here has launched a special art project that requires the participation of the public.
N. Ashok Kumar, 48, said he has set up a booth in a mall here where the public can take part in the collaborative art project called “Community Colours”.
“I want to nurture the spirit of togetherness through this project since it can only be achieved with the involvement of the public.
“I have weaved plastic stripes and turned them into a blank canvas with small boxes.
“The boxes will be coloured by random strangers who stop by the little corner that I have set up in the middle of a mall here,” he told The Star when met at Sutera Mall here.
Ashok, who is a visual artist for over two decades, said he also wants to promote the love for the state among Johoreans and incorporate the concept of sustainability through the project.
“I have prepared the colours that the public can use to colour the boxes.
“They are dark blue, white and red, which represent the Johor state flag, as well as light blue and green, which depicts the concept of sustainability.
“One side of the canvas will be filled with colours of the Johor flag while the other side will be filled with the colours of sustainability.
“The colours will then meet and overlap each other in the middle.
“The message that I hope to bring through this project is that Johor is moving towards being a more sustainable state,” Ashok said.
He also wants the public, both young and old, to experience the therapeutic effects of visual arts.
“I find comfort and calmness through art and I want to share this experience with others.
“I want them to try colouring these boxes and experience the calmness that comes with it,” he added.
Ashok, who set up the booth on the third floor of the mall on Friday, said so far 50 people had taken part in the project.
“I plan to be here from noon until 8pm from Friday until Sunday.
“However, if I am unable to complete the artwork by then, I will extend the project by another day or two,” he said.
He added that participation is free for everyone.
The final result of the artwork will be displayed at the Johor public library during an art exhibition called ‘Benih Karya’ to be held between May 19 and 26.
