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Contemporary Islamic art exhibition 'FAITH' begins run at Galeri Prima

In Arabic, “Faith” (al-iman) means to affirm something and to comply with it. “Faith” in Islam means to believe in Allah, to affirm His truth, and to submit to His commands.

The six pillars of faith are to believe and affirm the following; Allah, His Angels, His Prophets, His Holy Books, The Day of Judgement and Providence.

Islam provides clear guidance to its followers on how people should conduct themselves in their daily lives.

A Muslim is advised in the Quran to use the best of manners when interacting with others.

The root of Islam is “peace,” and Muslims are to be peaceful in their words and deeds, treat people with kindness and mercy, and tolerant and fair. Hypocrisy is considered to be one of the greatest of sins. Muslims embrace diversity and strive to “walk upon the earth in humility.” (Quran 25:63).

It is based on these values that Galeri Prima will host a contemporary Islamic art exhibition called FAITH from May 29 – July 28 in conjunction with the holy months of Ramadan and Syawal. The exhibition features meticulously selected works of established and emerging Malaysian artists including senior masters, eminent contemporary artists and young rising stars.

FAITH showcases masterpieces by Husin Hourmain, a collection from Artcube; Mohd Noor Mahmud, Fadli Yusoff, Anniketyni Madian, Amir Amin, Megat Zaim Zharif, Kamal Sazali, Syukur Rani, Putra Nazri, Ezwa Hasin, Fitriah Roslan, MN Hafiz Hamzah, Alif Afandi Azman, Amirul Roslan, Khairani Ahmad Zakuan, Khaliq Az-Zahi, Burhanuddin Bakri, Amierul Iskandar and Amin Harun.

Sixty-five works that will be on display are a mixture of contemporary Islamic art comprising, among others, calligraphy, sculpture and painting.

FAITH is jointly organised by Galeri Prima and Artcube, with both galleries delivering new experiences of an Islamic exhibition that is beyond the norm. It features not just classic Arabic calligraphy or Islamic ornamental art but, will also showcase art that has interesting stories on Islam, which are discussed through all the works.

Calligraphy, and the figure and abstract genres are used to interpret Islamic values and convey hidden messages to the audience.

For instance, Mohd Noor Mahmud, or commonly known among his peers as ‘Mat Nor’, presents twenty mixed media works based on Sifat 20, which are the 20 essential attributes for Allah; Wujud, Qidam, Baqa, Mukhalafathu lilhawadith, Qiamuhu binafsih, Wahdaniat, Qudrat, Iradat, Ilm, Hayat, Sama’, Basar, Kalam, Kaunuhu qaadiran, Kaunuhu muriidan, Kaunuhu ‘aliman, Kaunuhu Hayyan, Kaunuhu sami’an, Kaunuhu basiiran, Kaunuhu mutakalliman.

They differ from the pieces by Fadli Yusoff, who uses the image of the ‘Tengkolok Diraja” of The Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V. This image is symbolic in delivering the message that no matter how powerful you are, you are still small in the eyes of Allah. This context was depicted by His Majesty’s decree to change the ‘Daulat Tuanku’ to ‘Allahu Akbar’.

Emerging artist Amir Amin presents a life-sized drawing of female anatomy and a calligramme using Jawi scrips. The idea came from a newspaper article in 2013, where the headline stated, “Jawi di ambang kepupusan”. The anatomical figure in his work depicts the human physical form, while the Jawi calligramme is the soul, which has to be understood and not be neglected.

A berbuka puasa and doa selamat ceremony will be held in conjunction with the opening of FAITH exhibition on Thursday, June 8, 2017, from 6pm – 9pm. The doa selamat is also to mark the 1st anniversary of Galeri Prima.

Some 30 orphans and underprivileged children from Rumah Anak Yatim Baitul Fitriah, Rawang will join the ceremony.

These amazing works of contemporary Islamic art can be viewed at Galeri Prima, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur from May 29 to July 28, 2017. The gallery is open on weekends by appointment.

For more information, contact Galeri Prima at 03-2724 8300 or 013-4490344, 012-3222081, 011-22158133.

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