DRAWING stands as perhaps the most fundamental and universal form of human expression.
Dating back to ancient cave drawings in Borneo some 40,000 years ago, humanity has utilised the art as a means to communicate and visualise the world around them.
It serves as a bridge between individuals, transcending language barriers, and offers a profound insight into the collective imagination and creativity of humankind throughout history.
Considered the foundation of an artistic practice, drawing is the most immediate of all art forms, where the hand of the artist is most obviously revealed.
While it was traditionally seen as part of an artist's preparatory work for a painting or sculpture, it's now regarded as a medium in its own right.
Ilham Gallery recently debuted its newest exhibition on Level 5 titled "Titik Garis Bentuk: Drawing as a Practice", offering an exploration into the art of drawing. It delves into the rich traditions and contemporary interpretations of drawing as an art form.
From intricate sketches to bold strokes, the exhibition showcases the diverse techniques and styles employed by artists in expressing their creativity. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the intricacies of line, form and texture, witnessing how artists use drawing as a means of communication, experimentation and exploration.
Through this exhibition, viewers are invited to appreciate the intimate connection between the artist's hand and the surface, and to gain insight into the significance of drawing as a foundational aspect of visual art.
The exhibition also explores the role drawing plays in contemporary art in the country and its place as finished works of art. Featuring the works of 27 artists who use drawing as a centre in their practice, the exhibition examines how they and their contemporaries are redefining the medium by blurring the boundaries between drawing and other art forms, including installation, animation and performance.
Through their wide range of works encompassing figuration, landscape, architectural drawing and minimalism, these artists are expanding conventional definitions of drawing as mark-making on a two-dimensional surface through the innovative use of materials and techniques.
COLLECTION OF TALENT
The 27 artists are Agnes Lau, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Arikwibowo Amril, Badruddin Syah Abdul Wahab, Binti, C.C. Kua, Chang Fee Ming, Chang Yoong Chia, Chi too, Chong Siew Ying, Engku Iman, Faizal Suhif, Foo May Lyn, Haris Abadi, Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Haslin Ismail, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Khairudin Zainudin, Khairul Hiffni & Shamin Sahrum, Nadiah Bamadhaj, Novia Shin, Paul Nickson Atia, Roslisham Ismail (Ise), Shika Thibault, Syarifah Nadhirah and Wong Hoy Cheong.
From the scale of life-size charcoal figures and panoramic landscapes, to the immediacy of works that embody the meditative quality of drawing as practice, Titik Garis Bentuk reflects the different ways these artists approach drawing.
The exhibition shows us how contemporary artists are using the power of the drawn line to map our natural and built environments, to document our histories and cultural realities, and to tell stories, both real and imagined. In doing so, they have created a diverse range of works that speak to the complexity and contradictions of the human experience.
TITIK GARIS BENTUK: Drawing as a Practice
WHEN: Until July 28
WHERE: Ilham Gallery, Level 5, Menara ILHAM, 8, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am-7pm; Sunday: 11am-5pm
Closed: Mondays and public holidays.
For details, go to www.ilhamgallery.com.