GALERI PRIMA UNVEILS ‘MORPHOSIS’
Exhibition shows nation’s transformation in the eyes of 88 artists
THROUGH Morphosis, Galeri Prima with Curate Henry Butcher aims to tell stories of the country’s transformation in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day.
The story of Malaysia’s transformation, said exhibition organiser Azlynn Aziz of Galeri Prima, was told through the perspective of 88 artists.
“It was not an easy task to get all 88 of them together but we managed to do it before Merdeka Day.
“Their works are placed side by side throughout the gallery as that is the beauty of Malaysia; a manifestation of the unity among all races.
“We would like to think that this is an exemplary exhibition to set the tone for this year’s National Day celebration under the theme, ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’.”
The 88 artworks feature various mediums such as acrylics, oil paints, watercolours and mixed media.
At Galeri Prima Balai Berita Bangsar were New Straits Times Press chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Jalil Hamid and Lembah Pantai member of parliament (MP) Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said he hoped the public would support the exhibition.
“It shows a spirit of pride for our country, especially from those in the art industry.
“I hope the public will come to witness for themselves this wonderful array of artworks, which signify our new Malaysia,” he said.
The artists have agreed to contribute 40 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of their artworks displayed, some of which are priced up to RM1,000,000, to Tabung Harapan Malaysia.
Artist Ismail Sallehudin whose piece, “Dirgahayu Negaraku — Susah Payahnya Membina Negara”, was the main attraction, said it took four months to complete and is estimated to be worth a million ringgit.
“I wanted to create a masterpiece for Merdeka which depicts us as a united nation.
“I used blocks of wood from old kampung houses to create the Malaysian flag.
“It is a symbol of unity, regardless of race or religion, and the strength we have in each other. It takes all sorts to make us strong.”