Launch of “Crossings: Pushing Boundaries” Exhibition

Wednesday, 7 September 2016
Galeri PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1 Malaysia
• Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hj Megat Najmuddin Datuk Seri Dr Hj Megat Khas, Ahli Lembaga Pengarah, PETRONAS
• Yang Berusaha Puan Zahariah Liza Abdul Rahman, Pengurus Besar Kanan, Bahagian Komunikasi Strategik Kumpulan, PETRONAS;
• Yang Berusaha Puan Roshaniza Ilmi Mohd Ali, Pengarah, Galeri PETRONAS;
• Yang Berusaha Puan Shireen Naziree, Kurator Tamu Galeri PETRONAS;
• Yang Berusaha Puan Pauline Fan, Penulis Tamu Galeri PETRONAS;
• Artis-Artis dan Warga Seni;
• Rakan-rakan Media;
• Para hadirin yang dihormati sekalian,

Alhamdulillah, marilah kita bersama-sama merafakkan kesyukuran ke hadrat Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala kerana atas limpah izin dan kurniaNya jua, kita dapat bersama-sama bertemu di dalam majlis ini sempena perlancaran pameran terkini Galeri PETRONAS yang bertajuk “Crossing: Pushing Boundaries”.

2. Saya juga ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan Selamat Hari Merdeka dan Selamat Hari Malaysia kepada semua yang hadir pada hari ini.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. It is indeed a great pleasure to be here today amongst some of the most exquisite talents in the arts fraternity. Every one of the 15 Malaysian artists, whose artworks are featured in this Exhibition, have unique stories and viewpoints to share. As cultural nomads and global citizens, these artists highlight the importance of connecting to the larger world in order to better understand and value ourselves as Malaysians. We tend to forget the uniqueness in terms of diversity and inclusiveness in Malaysia, or the importance of that, until one travels outside the boundaries of this Country. I am struck with the realisation that in spite of years of staying away from Malaysia, be it in Indonesia or Australia or even further in Europe and the US, these artists, notwithstanding their racial origin, still call Malaysia home. Remembering their roots!

4. Arts and culture are very dynamic elements parallel with mankind’s advancement throughout time. While some of us seek to preserve them in their pure and authentic states, we also work to develop a new generation of artists who refine and find new ways for the arts, in creating socio-political awareness, and promoting unity and harmony through their creativity and imaginations.

5. Arts is also a vital receptor in documenting the fast changing world especially in recent times. Through this exhibition “Crossings: Pushing Boundaries”, we are able to traverse Malaysian contemporary art at a global front. Images born in response to the artists’ spaces and surroundings, and their interactions with the environments around their subjects of gender, landscape, pop-culture and the broader social-cultural ecosystems, showcase the artists working in global and universal term. In this respect, artworks featured in this exhibition are visual statements on issues confronting humanity. It provides critical consciousness on global environments affecting the world’s demography within a volatile and short-term world we live in today – the whirlwind changes in finance, trade, politics, technology and society. And, through the artists’ lens, we are able to “push the boundaries” of our perspectives and widen our horizons to better understand the multi-faceted and complex inter-twined world.

6. We recognise too, that work of arts is a compelling factor in pushing the envelope for radical changes. It is able to transform prejudice into impartiality. Where love and peace, wars and catastrophes, displacements and migrations, triumphs and tribulations are captured; and human emotions are expressed through the artists’ eyes and sentiments. And, in responding to these changing phases and realms, artists’ through their artworks uncover values in virtue, knowledge and understanding, affection and compassion, humility and modesty, providing us with visual narratives to be read and understood.

7. An artist’s life is often simple. Having to learn to adapt to different environments, they have developed the ability to be resilient. With the new normal of prolonged low oil price in recent times, we, PETRONAS collectively, can take a page or two from these artists’ wisdom and passion as inspirations to thrive ahead. To make us more resilient and agile; and stronger than before. Doing more, with less. Pushing our boundaries to a new level.

8. We must remain innovative and robust in continuing to meet future energy demand in a responsible and sustainable manner, whilst preparing ourselves to be ready for the growth trajectory, once the industry tide turns.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

9. “Crossings: Pushing Boundaries” is testament to PETRONAS’ long-standing commitment in promoting Malaysian talents by cultivating creativity, innovative ideas and critical thinking through art.

10. This is because we strongly believe that progressive societies had placed holistic emphasis on the development of its people. Throughout history, great civilisations are marked not only by material wealth, but also the flourishing of its artistic and cultural expressions. As the custodian of the country’s oil and gas resources, PETRONAS takes pride in playing a significant role in contributing towards the well-being of society and the Nation including shaping citizens and societies with global mindsets through arts such as today’s Exhibition.

11. The artworks that are on display in this Exhibition has been carefully chosen after extensive research by our Guest Curator. You’ll be surprised of the actual seminal value of these artworks in the market today. Some are from our own collection. Some are from external collections and institutions. Nonetheless, entry into Galeri PETRONAS remains free of charge. In line with PETRONAS’ commitments in giving back to the Nation.

12. Since its inceptions, Galeri PETRONAS has emerged as a platform for the exchange of ideas, cultures and expertise towards building a vibrant art community and industry in Malaysia. Today, it has become a crucial arts engagement platform for artists and audiences, locally and abroad.

13. I wish to congratulate Puan Roshaniza Ilmi and the family of Galeri PETRONAS, including and especially the Guest Curator, Puan Shireen Naziree and Guest Writers, Puan Pauline Fan and Puan Christine Rohani Longuet, who have all worked tirelessly to bring the exhibition to life.

14. I would also like to thank all 15 Malaysian talented artists for sharing their gift of creative talent, contributing towards another milestone in Galeri PETRONAS’ efforts to promote, develop and preserve our nation’s fine visual art heritage. I am so delighted to note that some of the artists we have here today have remarkably been recognised in the international arena. It is my hope that Exhibitions like today, will continue to spur on more talented local artists to push their boundaries in their relevant art fields. We too, in our own respective areas, must gather inspirations from these artworks, to continuously push ourselves beyond our remit. Beyond our comfort zone. Be the best of our ability, in whatever we do.

15. A special acknowledgement is also due to the institutions and individuals who have kindly lent us their collection for this exhibition. Many thanks.

16. Please allow me to end my speech here today, with a quote by Carl Jung. On humanity, he said, “Thousands of years of struggle for adaptation and existence”. If we do not adapt and push our boundaries further, we will cease to exist.

17. On that note, and with lafaz ‘Bismillahirahmanirrahim’, it gives me great pleasure to declare the “Crossings: Pushing Boundaries” Exhibition open.

18. Wabillahi Taufiq Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.