Messages through artwork
ART, when given a proper platform, conveys intricate messages and manifests the thoughts and emotions of its creators.

At the Shah Alam Gallery, 52 artworks by local artists were featured in an exhibition.

Among the many artworks adorning the walls was a piece by artist Mohammed Zaki Zakaria, 61, entitled “Nelayan Dalam Lautan 2023” (Fishermen at Sea 2023).

Although oil paints were used, the painting looked like it was done with watercolours.

Ng Yen Tee with her artwork entitled ‘Menikmati Aiskrim Bersama’.

“The message of my artwork is when people work together, the severity of a problem can be reduced,” he said.

With his brush, he successfully captured the soft bounce of sunlight reflecting off smooth waves.

Zaki said the piece took him three weeks to complete.

He was one of the recipients of the Shah Alam Gallery Open Exhibition Awards who received a cash prize of RM3,000.

Other recipients included Ng Yen Tee with her piece “Menikmati Aiskrim Bersama” (Enjoying Ice Cream Together), Noor Syuhada Mohamed with her piece “Darah Daging” (Flesh and Blood), Mohamad Hassan with his piece “Bebas” (Free) and Muhamad Ikmal Danieal Mat Jusoh with his piece “Al-Safa’ Penyucian Jiwa Annisa” (Al-Safa’, The Soul Purification Annisa).

Contestant Siti Norazizah Mohd Hashim, 27, drew visitors with her bold colour choices and dynamic composition of her piece entitled “Fruits for the Occasion”.

She used two techniques, namely glazing and impasto, to create a thick, luminous effect.

“If you look close enough, certain parts of these compositions will evoke some emotions,” she said.

Artist Ahmad Nazrin @ Khairul Annuar Mohamed Noor (right) explaining his ‘Ramadan 21’ artwork to a visitor.

Siti Norazizah added that the exhibition was good exposure for young artists like her and hoped there would be more events like this to promote young talents.

Present were Selangor housing and culture committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah, who launched the event, Shah Alam mayor Cheremi Tarman and Selangor Shah Alam Gallery director Badrul Kahar Mohd Yusof.

Borhan said events like this enabled the art industry to continue flourishing, contributing to the development of the economy and the sociocultural experience of the people.

“Galleries are agents that help in creating awareness of art among the people,” said Borhan.

Badrul hoped the public could support the exhibition and gallery to help the art sector in Selangor flourish.

(From left) Badrul, Borhan and Cheremi at the launch of the exhibition.

National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage Faculty of Fine Art dean Suzlee Ibrahim, who was one of the judges, said the artworks received this year were some of the best he had seen.

“The most important criteria we look for are the message that the artists want to convey as well as the alignment of the technique and artwork presented.

“Age or background is not important. As long as you have a message to tell through art, feel free to submit your artworks,” he told StarMetro.

He said this initiative should be continued.

Visitors watching closely the ‘Aku’ artwork by Mohammat Johan Mohamed Jaafar.

“With more exhibitions, there would be more opportunities for artists to display their artworks and sell them, which contributes greatly to their income as well as the economy of the country,” he said.

The exhibition is an annual event hosted by Shah Alam Gallery, under the administration of Yayasan Seni Selangor Darul Ehsan.

The exhibition will be held until Feb 29. For details, visit www.galerishahalam.com or call 03-5510 5344.
Shah Alam Art Gallery,52 artists,Yayasan Seni Selangor.
ART, when given a proper platform, conveys intricate messages and manifests the thoughts and emotions of its creators.