| James Kon |
ARTWORKS by local talents were on display at the Art Affair in Bandarku Ceria at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday.
The art showcase was organised by the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with educational institutions, art associations, private galleries and independent artists.
Over 20 artists participated in the event. Artists from Putra Seni Group, Brunei Youth Council art expression bazaar, Miqdame and Zarabesque Art also participated.
The event aimed to provide artists a venue to showcase their work to tourists in the capital as well as enliven Bandar Seri Begawan.
“This is a good platform for local artists to gain more exposure. We support the Art Affair organised by the Tourism Development Department,” said Mohd Zefri Ariff bin Mohd Zain Ariff, Secretary General of the Brunei Youth Council. “The Brunei Youth Council art expression bazaar is also held every Sunday at the Waterfront. We display artworks, culture, heritage and pop art at the bazaar.
“We are trying to promote the local art scene. We have art events conducted by galleries in Brunei including the Rainforest Gallery. One of the biggest home galleries is by Pengiran Timbang at Rimba.”
He said local artists need public and the government support to establish a platform to showcase their artwork.
Noor’ Izzati binti Haji Mohd Allinoor, founder of Zarabesque Art based on Islamic art and calligraphy, said the event is a good avenue to promote her artwork.
She completed her two-year Islamic art and calligraphy studies in 2012 in Malaysia and hopes to further promote Islamic art and calligraphy in Brunei.
Muhammad Miqdam bin Zaini from Miqdame showcased his string art, images created with strings. Aside from string art, he also does paintings and portraits. He sells his artwork at the night market. He expressed hope for more avenues to open for local talents to display their artwork.