KUALA LUMPUR: On show now is Malaysia’s six decades long of abstract art by prominent local artists.
Titled The Unreal Deal: Six Decades of Malaysian Abstract Art, it features some 100 works from 28 artists that will be open to the public on Aug 31 at Bank Negara Gallery.
Bank Negara governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim said that abstract art collection has shown the direct expression of artists on what have transpired in the past.
"The collection here attempts to be a lens through which we can understand the struggles, experiences and thoughts of those who came before us.
"Like our Malaysian flag, the Jalur Gemilang represents the essence and identity of our country where it exudes the sense of belonging and pride," said Ibrahim at the launch here today.
He noted that abstract art is used to express the effects of technological, economic and political changes in society.
He also said art can be a driver for hope, positive social change and unity.
Federation of Asian Artists Malaysia Committee chairman Dr Choong Kam Kow advised the public to pay extra attention when coming to the exhibition.
"It is because abstract art pieces are different every time a work is published. If you want to appreciate the work by any artist, you must take your time to understand and perceive it.
"I hope public will come and see how artists were inspired in the past through their art which shows the history of our nation, " he said, adding that his own works were among the first few of such works in Malaysia.
Choong, 83, who displayed his works from the 1970s were inspired by the geometrical shapes of New York buildings during his days as a student at Pratt Institute.
The public can visit the gallery from 10am to 6pm every day except public holidays. The exhibition will be on display until Jan 21, 2018.