SMC chief: Art a critical outlet for expression, reflection
SIBU: In today’s hectic environment, everyone needs a creative outlet to express themselves and art is a key activity that provides a good balance.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, in quoting the famous artist Pablo Picasso, said the purpose of art ‘is to wash the dust of daily life off our souls’.
He also viewed art as a critical component of healthcare when officiating at the opening of Sibu Street Art Festival 2017 at the Chuan Corridor of Sibu Town Square Phase One on Saturday.
According to Tiong, art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness.
“This is simply because art trains the mind through the eyes
This is simply because art trains the mind through the eyes and the eyes through the mind. As the sun colours flowers, so does art colour life.
and the eyes through the mind.
“As the sun colours flowers, so does art colour life,” he said, quoting the polymath John Lubbock.
“Apart from that, through art we learn that art as a representative of the world we live in, is infused with a variety of images and experiences.
“We understand that the art of culture is influenced by aesthetic ideals as well as by social, political, economic and other factors,” he pointed out.
Tiong also quoted Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
Meanwhile the art festival, which kicked off on June 9, is on till June 17.
It is run by SMC and held in conjunction with Visit Sibu Year ( VSY) 2017 campaign.
Many activities have been lined up for the inaugural festival including the Street Art Gallery and Murals Photo Booth (anytime of the day), the Creative Bazaar and Kids Fun Park (open from 11am to 9.30pm), the Vintage Mini Theatre (open from 7pm to 9.30pm), Street Life Busking as well as a colouring and mural drawing contest ( on June 17, between 5pm and 8.30pm).
Datuk Tiong Thai King, Sibu Municipal Council chairman