NESTLED amidst the serene landscapes of Sentosa Janda Baik Resort (SJB) in Bentong, Pahang, a vibrant celebration unfolds, where art, inclusivity, and the spirit of community intertwine seamlessly. Hari Seni Sentosa (HSS), a groundbreaking event curated especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs), has transformed the tranquil venue into a bustling hub of creativity and camaraderie.
Organised by Omar Ariff Kamarul Ariffin, better known as Omar Ariffin — the force behind this special event — and his wife Suraya Nordin, in collaboration with Janda Baik Festival (an art and music event that's taking place during the same weekend as HSS) and Nak Seni, a group with a mission to elevate the status of PWDs through art, the event marks a significant moment in redefining accessibility and empowerment through artistic expression.
"At its core, Hari Seni Sentosa is really about inclusivity," begins the affable Omar, elaborating on the event's mission. Adding, he shares: "We aim to create a space where PWDs not only participate but also thrive, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment through art."
The beautiful venue itself has been meticulously prepared with ramp installations, wide meandering pathways, as well as accessible amenities to ensure that every attendee is able to navigate their way and enjoy the day.
As the gracious host of SJB, Omar made it a point to personally guide his guests through the picturesque grounds. Here, nature serves as a therapeutic backdrop, enveloping visitors in lush greenery, a sensory garden alive with fragrant plants and tactile textures, and serene lily ponds that echo with the cheerful quack-quacking of ducks.
The wooden Malay houses that scatter the grounds, transformed into art galleries, contain a remarkable collection gathered from across the globe by Omar's father, former senator Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin Mohamed Yassin.
Among these treasures, the Islamic Gallery at SJB is showcasing a momentous occasion: the debut solo exhibition of young PWD artist, Aaina Farhanah, titled Conteng. Visitors here will be entranced by her vibrant artworks that grace the gallery walls.
BREAKING BARRIERS
For Zhariff Afandi, the driving force behind Janda Baik Festival (JBF), and a passionate advocate for PWDs, the collaboration is deeply personal. Born without hands, Zhariff truly exemplifies resilience and determination. His involvement in HSS underscores his commitment to breaking barriers and championing inclusivity through art.
The event unfolds with various activities and workshops tailored to the diverse needs of PWDs. One of the highlights, particularly among fans of this musical darling, is the meet-and-greet session with songstress Sheila Majid, arranged by Zhariff.
"We need to trust ourselves, know our strengths, and enhance them," says Sheila, her words resonating deeply with everyone. This is especially true for self-taught artist Shazwani Rhosky Fadzir — who alongside her father has mobility issues due to spinal injury — as she savoured the moments in Sheila's performance, finding inspiration in her journey.
"Meeting Sheila was unforgettable," exclaims Shazwani happily.
Amidst the verdant grounds of SJB, guests get to bask in a sensory journey through nature's healing embrace. Every corner simply exudes a sense of tranquility and inspiration.
The day continues with immersive art experiences, including a botanical bundle dye workshop led by Masitah Babjan. Amidst the sounds of chirping birds and trickling water, participants tried their hands at creating stunning designs on cotton tote bags, trying to find a sense of calmness as they worked. "The outdoor venue makes the event more calming and interesting," remarks Wan Mastura Wan Mahmood happily.
For the PWDs who love to draw and paint, there's the batik workshop by Suria Artisan Batik. One of the participants, Low Mee Li, who exercised her creativity with much enthusiasm, shares: "It's really nice to have some 'art therapy' in such a beautiful and calm environment. This is my first time participating in such an activity."
Sound therapy also takes centre stage, engagingly led by Zarul Albakri of OurBodySound, who crafts a soothing journey through soundscapes. "The healing power of sound can be transformative," shares Zarul, drawing from his personal journey with polio. His session offers attendees a much-needed moment of relaxation and introspection amidst the event's bustling energy.
"We all comprise of molecules, and molecules react to reverberations of sounds," adds Zarul, whose own mobility was affected by polio since he was a year old. His path to healing led him to discover holistic methods — including sound therapy.
"Not everyone is mentally strong to navigate stress and trauma in their lives. Sometimes we need a bit of help, such as the healing power of sound. Nothing fancy. If you cover your ears, you can even hear the sound of your breathing, which is calming," he elaborates, smiling.
Meanwhile, artist Raja Iskandar Raja Mansur of of #artattackingrajais brought his unique perspective with The Karung Guni Initiative, using discarded gunny sacks as a canvas for creativity. For the stroke survivor, art has become a means of resilience and environmental stewardship.
"Art to Heal," Raja Iskandar's mantra, resonates deeply as he shares his journey from paralysis to rediscovery. "The Karung Guni story mirrors my own life journey as a PWD. I suffered a stroke eight years ago. From being someone who was able-bodied to having to live with paralysis, I fell into deep bouts of depression," he shares.
However, through art, he discovered a powerful tool for transformation. By applying his creativity, he found that he could bring new life to his afflictions and redefine his identity; just like the karung guni.
ENRICHING EXPERIENCE
Throughout the event, a dedicated team of collaborators, including Armin Iliyas for video content and Cero PJ for audio visuals, contributed their expertise to enrich the experience. Wan Ramlah Wan Hussein's culinary creations at Rasa Sentosa Cafe provided nourishment, while Sri Pengantin Resort offered discounted accommodations, underscoring a community-driven effort to support inclusivity in every aspect.
As the sun sets on HSS, its impact will certainly reverberate far beyond Bentong. Through art, barriers are dismantled, voices are amplified, and connections are forged. Looking ahead, organisers like Omar and Suraya envision a future where events like this will be able to continue breaking down barriers and foster a more inclusive society.
In the tranquil embrace of SJB, amidst laughter, creativity, and shared moments of inspiration, HSS is showing the way forward — one that drives home the point that boundless possibilities emerge when creativity knows no limits.
For information, email sentosajandabaik@gmail.com.