Photo: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Work is underway to establish a new art museum at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).
Named the Cheng Haw Chien Museum of Art, it will house and exhibit 400 artworks donated by world-renowned Chinese painting master Prof Dr Cheng Haw Chien.
TAR UMT board of governors chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy said the museum is not merely to enrich the artistic atmosphere of the campus.
"It will house works that provoke thought, spark creativity and ignite conversations.
"It will be located at a prominent location on campus, with the exhibition hall designed to fully consider both the display effects and protection needed for the artworks, ensuring that each piece is properly preserved and showcased," said Chan, who is also TAR UMT Alumni Council chairman, at the signing ceremony of the agreement with Prof Cheng at the varsity’s Setapak campus here on Wednesday (Aug 14).
He added that TAR UMT will periodically invite other artists to contribute new works to enrich the gallery's collection.
Prof Cheng expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate in setting up the art museum.
"It is a privilege for artists to have our artworks find a home. TAR UMT offers a very good environment for establishing the museum," he said.
Born in Penang, Prof Cheng, who previously served as the president of the Central Academy of Arts in Malaysia, is now a visiting professor at Renmin University of China.
His 400 donated art pieces to TAR UMT encompass a diverse range of subjects, including florals, birds, landscapes, fruits and animals, executed in various techniques such as monochrome painting, colour painting, and freestyle painting.
Also present at the event was TAR UMT president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei, who signed the agreement on behalf of TAR UMT.
