Launch of ‘The Twins: Works by Oliviero Rainaldi’ at Galeri PETRONAS

Bismillahirahmanirrahim

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

Salam Sejahtera

Dan Salam 1Malaysia

Menghadap Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Sultan dan Yang Dipertuan Negeri Selangor Darul Ehsan dengan segala kebesaran dan kemuliaannya.

Ampun Tuanku beribu ampun, sembah patik harap di ampun.

Bagi pihak PETRONAS, patik merafak sembah, menjunjung kasih atas limpah perkenan Tuanku mencemar duli untuk merasmikan majlis Pelancaran “The Twins: Works by Oliviero Rainaldi” di Galeri PETRONAS pada petang yang berbahagia ini. Sesungguhnya kehadiran Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku pada acara petang ini amat besar ertinya buat seluruh warga PETRONAS serta rakan kerjasama hamba patik sekelian.

Ampun Tuanku beribu ampun, sembah patik harap diampun.

Patik pohon limpah perkenan Tuanku untuk meneruskan ucapan patik dalam bahasa Inggeris.

Dr Andrea Ambra, Trade Commissioner of Italy to Malaysia,

Maestro Oliviero Rainaldi,

Yang Berusaha Encik Rosli Abdul Rahim,

Director of GALERI PETRONAS,

Colleagues from PETRONAS,

Representatives from the sponsoring companies,

Members of the Art Fraternity,

Members of the media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of PETRONAS and Galeri PETRONAS, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor,  for honouring us with his gracious presence today to officially launch Galeri PETRONAS’ latest exhibition, “TWINS: Works by Oliviero Rainaldi”.

2. It is a tremendous honour for our Galeri to be only the second location to host TWINS, the third solo exhibition of the internationally acknowledged artist and sculptor, Oliviero Rainaldi.

3. Rainaldi’s first major solo exhibition titled ‘Works 2003-2013′ showcased in Singapore two years ago was a highly acclaimed success. And today, we have his only second solo exhibition in this region. Bringing the TWINS to Galeri PETRONAS is a clear demonstration of the Galeri and the country’s commitment to Art. Exhibitions such as this elevates the prestige of Kuala Lumpur among the regional art hubs. It attracts the best artists to exhibit their works and for them to draw inspirations from our multi-cultural society and natural beauty. It also elevates the importance of art in our society as a recognised language to capture and communicate our deepest feelings and emotions. To expose our young artistic talents to world-class works and nurture and support their development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

4. Through the years, Galeri Petronas has showcased many international exhibitions including Foster + Partners’: the Art of Architecture; New Olds: Design Between Tradition and Innovation; The City: Becoming and Decaying; and MAESTRO.

5. ‘TWINS: Works by Oliviero Rainaldi’ is a continuation of this journey by the Galeri. This is a travelling contemporary art exhibition presented in conjunction with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Commission in Malaysia. We will get to see, touch and experience over 30 pieces of extraordinary artworks including drawings, paintings and sculptures by Oliviero Rainaldi.

6. Rainaldi is a critically acclaimed and polyvalent artist who uses different techniques and materials. Gifted with an innate talent to weave and tell a story through his works, his uncanny ability to grasp sophisticated and complex themes is a wonder to experience. He concentrates on the sculpture’s figure and material to produce works featuring a simple style, flowing lines, classical beauty, refined composition and a condensed yet dynamic form. And each of his work has a unique perspective and interpretation. His artworks often convey intense emotions and sensations and create immediate connection with the visitors.

Ladies and gentlemen,

7. The TWINS exhibition highlighting Oliviero Rainaldi’s selection of bold, innovative and provocative art is in line with PETRONAS’ tagline of “Reimagining Energy”. It urges young Malaysians, indeed all of us, to step outside our comfort zones. There are many names for it. Thinking outside the box. Think the unthinkable. Challenge the status quo. In essence, it is about being so comfortable in our own skin, that we don’t mind being challenged and feeling uncomfortable. Art exhibitions have the capacity to provoke us, make us reach deep inside ourselves to judge what we are seeing and experiencing. That process is just as powerful as the outcome – whether we judge a piece of art as appealing or not.

8. As an organisation, PETRONAS has always valued the capacity and reach of art in promoting social and economic goals through local regeneration and development of talents. Our Street Art Exhibition last year is an example of how art created a mini touristic and economic activity around the murals in the streets of KL. And our ‘Art in the Park’ has created a platform for young talents, and the not so young ones, to interact with established local artists to explore their own artistic talent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

9. “Art speaks where words fail”. In a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society such as ours, art can command a unique space that speaks to all. It can win spectacularly where words, slogans and policies fail miserably. Art’s healing capabilities have been documented for some time now. Drawing, painting, singing and playing instruments are known to reduce stress and depression. It can bring us together, and connect us emotionally. It is this belief in the power of art that drives us to continuously promote the artistic thinking and creativity of young Malaysians. The belief that one day Malaysian artists will be a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

10. Galeri PETRONAS will continue to facilitate exhibitions and community arts development programmes, locally, regionally and internationally. And promote exchanges between artists from different cultural horizons.

11. It is our hope that ‘TWINS: Works by Oliviero Rainaldi’ will contribute to the vibrancy of the local art scene and inspire the younger generation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

12. In conclusion and on behalf of PETRONAS and the Gallery, I wish to once again express our heartfelt gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for honoring all of us by kindly gracing the launch of this exhibition.

13. I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Italian Trade Commission, Maserati, Naza Italia, Marble 8, the Malaysian Tatler, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur and DNA Comm for making Galeri Petronas the gallery of choice to showcase TWINS: Works by Oliviero Rainaldi exhibition in Malaysia and indeed Southeast Asia.

Ampun Tuanku beribu ampun, sembah patik harap diampun.

14. Akhir kalam, patik sekali lagi merafak sembah menjunjung kasih duli yang maha mulia Tuanku atas limpah kurnia Tuanku mencemar duli hadir untuk merasmikan majlis pada petang ini.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.