Early exposure for young artists
STPM Visual Arts students have a peek into the future of what it feels like to be an exhibiting artist
HAVING their artwork displayed to a public audience was a first for most of the 23 students from SMK Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Integrasi), Kajang, Selangor.
It was the norm to exhibit the Visual Arts coursework for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). But instead of setting up the exhibition in school, this year it was held at Tesco Extra Kajang.
The event featured sportsthemed pop art from 23 Form Six students who are sitting for the Visual Arts paper for STPM.
One of the students, Adibah Azman, said that she was nervous but honoured to be able to display her artwork in public.
“My artwork is about Malaysian football legend Mokhtar Dahari. A lot of young people do not know who he is. They would ask and I am happy to explain about the legend to them. The older ones would recognise who he is.
“I love how children and adults come up to us to ask about our artwork. They are curious to know what the artwork is about. And I feel very happy that they appreciate our hard work - we had to finish the artwork in less than two months. Some even asked if they could buy the paintings,” she said.
She was also elated to know that their work was on par with university students.
“One of the visitors to the exhibition was a lecturer from Universiti Teknologi Mara. She said that our Form Six Visual Arts level is similar to the students at her university.
“Most importantly, this exhibition builds our confidence as well as communication skills. We learnt how to set up an exhibition from beginning to end. This experience has helped me create my identity as an artist,” she added. Adibah is also appreciative of her Visual Arts teacher.
“She has given us a lot of support and encouragement.”
Another student Alya Nur Syazwina Rozaimi said that the exhibition was a good learning experience.
“I’ve never had a public exhibition and I got to talk to strangers about my art. This event has improved my confidence and communication skills.
“Through this exhibition, I realise that there is an art industry in Malaysia and people appreciate art. I am very grateful for the comments that I received for my art,” she said. She added that it was important to have team work in setting up an exhibition.
“If one of us cannot complete his work, the other would help. It is heart-warming to see that kind of teamwork.
“For me, I hope that people would see the value of visual arts. It plays a big part in the country’s culture,” she said.
Visual Art panel head Noraziah Yahaya noted that this year’s public exhibition is a new development for the school.
“Student are exposed to a new experience where they explain their art to people who may not be in the art industry. They used to explain it to teachers and friends, but now it is different.
“This is an exciting project for students who aspire to become artists. They have never had this exposure where their artwork is displayed for the public to see,” she added.
For this exhibition, Noraziah said that visitors to the exhibition gave good comments.
“Some visitors who happen to be in the art industry thought that this was extraordinary exposure for the students. This event lets students realise that these kinds of exhibitions happen outside of school as well. They feel more included as the nation’s young artists,” she said.
“Next time, we hope to combine with other schools for a bigger exhibition. We are looking to upgrade and do it in an actual art gallery or a more suitable exhibition space. We can also sell some of the artwork to encourage students to create more,” she said.
Student are exposed to a new experience where they explain their art to people who may not be in the art industry. This is an exciting project for students who aspire to become artists. They have never had this exposure where their artwork is displayed for the public to see. Visual Art panel head Noraziah Yahaya