KOTA KINABALU: The 32nd Sabah Annual Art Exhibition this year received 614 entries, the most participation since its inception in 1985.
A major annual art exhibition starting next month until January next year, the event will showcase 90 selected pieces by secondary school students and professional artists.
Organiser Sabah Art Gallery (SAG) said the winners will be announced during the presentation ceremony on Oct 20, which will be officiated by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
“As usual, we have two school categories (lower and upper secondary) and and open category for artists.
“But what is interesting this year is we got 614 entries, the highest in 32 years because on average we have received 350 entries; so this year it nearly doubles.
“The reason was due to participation from the six zones (for schools in Sabah) which have increased drastically.
“Sandakan for example sent in 164 entries compared to the usual below 20 entries. This was achieved due to collaboration with the Education Department,” said SAG curator Jennifer Linggi when contacted.
She added that while the theme remained the same which is ‘Sabah in My Point of View’ where pieces involved any subjects or topics related to the State, it was evident that the standard of artworks have improved.
“There were improvement in terms of of techniques as well as signs of deeper understanding and interpretation of current situation and social matters.
“For example, a rhinoceros-related piece using doodle technique following the death of Puntung in the middle of this year, showed environmental awareness and at the same time utilises current contemporary style (of art).
“We also received a lot more Khat calligraphy entries this year.” she added.