A taste of Malaysian art for South Koreans

Friday September 5, 2008

By FAZLEENA AZIZ

WORKS by Malaysian artists will go on display in South Korea when the 70th Annual Exhibition of Mokwoohoe With 40 Prominent Malaysian Artists is held this month.
Artseni gallery is working with the Mokwoohoe Fine Artist Association Korea on the exhibition that will be held at the Seoul Museum of Art from Sept 23 to 29.
Intriguing: ‘The Midnight Sky Dance’, an acrylic on canvas piece by Ismail Latiff.
The artists taking part are Tew Nai Tong, Cheah Yew Saik, Eric Quah, Tan Tong, Peter Liew, Ismail Latiff, Patrick Scully, Azman Hilmi, Lim Ah Cheng, Ng Foo Cheong, Pheh It Hao, Philip Wong, Shahrul Anuar Shaari , Tan Bee Him, Tang Hong Lee, Teoh Kai Suan, Zainal Abidin Musa, Zaim Durulaman, Yap Poh Sim, Soon Lai Wai, Ch’ng Huck Theng, Gwen Lim Bee Hoon, Suhaimi A Wahab, Tan Kok Cet, Tan Chee Hon, Loo Suenn Yin, Ho Kee Chek, Kuen Stephanie, Nizam Abdullah, Nurazmal Md. Yusoff, Zulkiflee Zainal Abidin, Khairudin, Haris Hamasani, Samsudin Wahab, Samsudin Lappo, Briget Lee, Yvonne Ou Yong, Tan Guat Ling, Lui Cheng Thak and Wong Fook Liung.
Each artist will contribute one painting for the exhibition. The works are in various mediums, like oil, acrylic, etching, transparent spirit glass paint, crayon, Chinese ink, and mixed medium on canvas, paper, perspex and aluminium.
They are mostly abstract pieces and include impressionist, abstract expression, realism, semi abstract and symbolism.
Traditional theme: ‘Congkak’, an acrylic on canvas piece by Kuen Stephanie.
According to Artseni founder artist Philip Wong, the South Korean art scene is very established.
“There are a lot of people who appreciate arts in South Korea and the government is very supportive, too.
“The association found our art works amazing during a meeting in April.
“They asked if would like to have a show in South Korea as they saw a lot of talent in the works.
A touch of nature: ‘Journey FRIM & Floral’ by Pheh It Hao.
“We felt that it was a good opportunity for us and we were encouraged to pursue the idea by Unity, Arts, Cultural and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“The selection for this exhibition was done with seven senior artists, more than 20 established artists and some up-and-coming ones.
“These up-and-coming artists have been in the industry for many years and they want to be active. They have the skill, but not the opportunity, so this exhibition provides a great platform to showcase their work.
“All the artists have presented their best work for this show,” he said.
Festive feel: The Kawadi Thaipusam Series by Patrick Scully.
According to Wong, the paintings feature different techniques and styles but the common thread that runs through the collection is that most of the works express colours.
“The collection is every bit Malaysian and the subject matter is very healthy, featuring nature and humans,” he said.
He added that the artists were very happy to be part of such an exhibition.