Launch of “Young Malaysian Artists: New Object(ion) III” Exhibition

Bismillahirahmanirrahim,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Salam Sejahtera,

Dan Salam 1Malaysia,

Yang Berusaha En. Rosli Abdul Rahim, Director of Galeri PETRONAS,

Yang Berusaha Puan Zahariah Abdul Rahman, Senior General Manager Group Strategic Communication, PETRONAS,

Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Khair Ngadiron, Managing Director, Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia

Participating artists and members of the art fraternity,

Members of the Media,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be here at the Galeri PETRONAS today to welcome all of you to this ‘special’ art exhibition. For indeed, the talents we have here are special, and the intent behind the “Young Malaysian Artists: New Object(ion) III” exhibition is very special.

2. Our Malaysian contemporary art scene is fast developing and is gaining momentum and interests from local and international art enthusiasts. Our multicultural society, varied heritage and the natural beauty that has been blessed upon this country from the beaches of Langkawi, beaches of Teluk Cempedak, beaches of Cherok Paloh to Mount Kinabalu, has continued to inspire generations upon generations of artists. And continues to do so. The talent we have here today are the latest incarnation of this continuing journey. Times have changed, the issues have evolved and the medium have become more sophisticated. But the raw desire to interpret the environment through their own unique lenses continues to fire these young men and women. They too shall leave their footprints on Malaysia’s artistic journey, close behind those of Ibrahim Hussein, Latiff Mohidin, Syed Ahmad Jamal and more. Many, many more.

3. It is a privilege for Galeri PETRONAS to be the one opening doors for these young men and women to continue their journey. To direct the wind onto their sails, to sail further and to reach higher. If I may, this is a wider interpretation of our Galeri’s ‘Art for Everyone’ tagline; it is also ‘Art BY Everyone’. Even if you are young, unconventional and not well known. Where there is talent, we shall seek them out. Nurture and promote.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

4. We recognise the importance of freedom of expression in the arts, and the need for a platform that allows unfettered expression by these artists in discovering new and dynamic approaches to express their thoughts and views on issues that affect them. The “Young Malaysian Artists” (YMA) series first established by Galeri PETRONAS in 2010 provided that recognition. YMA II was held in 2013. “Young Malaysian Artists: New Object(ion) III” or YMAIII is the third edition of this series.

5. Since its inception, the YMA series has offered an open canvass for various artistic expressions ranging from new media art to conventional paintings for over 99 young Malaysian artists.

6. After two series and six years, perhaps it is timely to revisit our intent. What has become of the ships that set sail in 2010 and 2013? For some, it provided a platform to launch their careers. Some have since presented their works on numerous regional and international stages such as the Museum of Young Art (MOYA) Annuale 2013 in Austria and Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, to name a few.

7. I am pleased to note and share some highlights of our artists from YMA I and II:

• Samsudin Wahab from YMA I is listed among 100 New Artists in London-based curator Francesca Gavin’s book ‘Despite moments of clarity, there is no ‘ism’ in this book’;
• Haslin Ismail, also from YMA I won the Grand Prize for Bakat Muda Sezaman in 2011.  He was also the artist-in-residence in 2011 at Rimbun Dahan;
• Ali Nurazmal Yusoff from YMA 1 was named among 5 compelling portraits in Art Stage Singapore 2016. As I understand, his realist self-portrait at YMA I became a turning point in his artistic career;
• Gan Tee Sheng from YMA II won the prestigious UOB painting Competition in 2013 in Singapore.

8. We share the pride in seeing our young Malaysians succeed in their artistic endeavours, locally and overseas. It is most fulfilling to know we had a small role to nudge them along the way. And I call upon everyone present here to assume a role in nudging the YMA III talents forward. Events such as today’s launch is not only to promote the art, and the artists; beyond that, I trust it can inspire all of us to assume a role in nurturing and promoting our fledgling artists. As a journalist, benefactor, fellow artist or a corporate sponsor, we have the capacity to facilitate the maturing of our Malaysian art scene. We need to translate that capacity into resources and a force for change and growth of our art scene.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

9. PETRONAS takes seriously, and with pride, the role to preserve, nurture and promote our culture and heritage. PETRONAS’ much loved and anticipated festive ads have always placed human values – Malaysian values – as a key message. Respect for the elderly, tolerance, forgiveness and optimism for the future are oft repeated themes. In addition to Galeri PETRONAS, the Dewan Philharmonic PETRONAS, Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Petrosains, the 50-acre KLCC Park, are all testaments to PETRONAS’ unwavering support for our Nation’s holistic development. And we continue to experiment with new approaches. The Galeri’s ‘Street Art Exhibition’ legitimised street mural as an accepted mainstream expression of art. And the ‘Art in the Park’ has created a platform for young talents to interact with established local artists to explore their own artistic talent.

10. YMA III with the theme “The Everydays”, highlights 39 original contemporary artworkswhich encompass a myriad of approaches – from painting to installation that creatively projects our everyday interactions. Taking the real world as their point of departure, they deconstruct, distort or decontextualise our reality. They put on a new lens to see the world that surrounds us. Not all of us are blessed with the creativity and capability to translate our experiences into art forms for others to see, touch and feel. It takes a special talent to do that. It is even more special to have the courage and tenacity to keep chipping at it against all odds, to stand out in the competitive world of art. We are privileged to have these special talents amongst us today. There may be works in this Gallery today which may become the future Mona Lisa, The Scream or Starry Night. After all, none of these works ever attained much attention during their early years. I hope we don’t leave our artists waiting that long before we show our appreciation. We show our appreciation now. Today.

11. As young artists are usually associated with the latest trends, experiences and influences, they are considered the avant-garde generation that undertakes diverse range of experiments to showcase their energy, passion and creativity.

12. The arts that adorn the walls around us are meant to be thought-provoking and ‘unexpected’. It encourages us to think deeply, ponder and stimulate dialogues concerning various issues ranging from personal, social to political.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

13. I trust YMA III will contribute to the vibrancy of the local art scene and inspire the younger generation to be the best in the area of their passion while achieving prominence in the local and global art world and in turn making the Nation proud.

14. I am happy to note that this exhibition has opened doors for Galeri PETRONAS to collaborate with Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM) to publish the YMA III exhibition catalogue, and also to collaborate on upcoming exhibition catalogues.

15. I congratulate GALERI PETRONAS, as well as the Curator, Encik Badrolhisham, for conceptualising and realising this experience for all of us. I also commend the artists whose works are on display today. These works portray parts of our daily lives, and as such I hope that we will all be able to relate to them. Have conversations about what they represent. And appreciate them.

16. On that note, and with the lafaz ‘Bismillahirahmanirrahim’, it gives me great pleasure to declare the “Young Malaysian Artists III” exhibition open.

Wabillahittaufiq walhidayah Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh