| Aziz Idris |
OVER 200 contemporary artworks from 70 local artists of different generations will be on display at the Art Gallery of the Dermaga Diraja in Bandar Seri Begawan during the month-long exhibition dubbed ‘Art Vision’.
Members of the public, especially art enthusiasts, are welcome to visit the gallery after the launching ceremony tomorrow, until July 31, from 9am to 4pm daily.
The exhibition is organised by the Brunei Art Forum and the Department of Museums Brunei, with support from local art galleries and creative studios: Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio; Kaleidoscope Studio; Stain; Rainforest Art Gallery; Jo’s Art Gallery and Decor; Mizaty Gallery; The Birdhouse Studio; and Arttralia.
During a press conference to promote the upcoming art fair, Managing Director of Creative Space Osveanne Osman said the exhibition aimed to introduce local contemporary and affordable art to the Bruneian market.
‘Art Vision’, she added, will be divided into two sections: ‘Point of View’ which focusses on contemporary arts by local artists; and ‘Brunei Art Bargain’, where the public can purchase artworks at affordable price.
For the first time, organisers of ‘Art Vision’ will build a cohesive and accessible database, establishing an archive for better recording of local art and culture as well as protecting the masterpieces by local artists from being tampered or re-produced.
Meanwhile, Director of Kaleidoscope Studio Khalisah Ahmad added that in comparison to three of the most recent art exhibitions held locally, ‘Art Vision’ is the biggest endeavour between galleries and the art community as a whole.
Khalisah, who is also part of the curatorial team, revealed that out of the 68 participants, 64 per cent are youths (1:1 ratio of male and female) and 36 per cent senior veteran artists, making it a notable exhibition and an important milestone for the Brunei art scene in recent years.
She hoped that ‘Art Vision’ can reached its goals by becoming an annual event that helps to create a sustainable development of a vibrant art scene by creating diverse job opportunities in the creative industry sector.
The exhibition also aimed to promote Brunei’s art in regional and international markets, and provide networking possibilities for galleries and artists in Brunei to push their works internationally.
During the month-long exhibition, event partners will also organise art-related activities such as forums, workshops and art-demonstrations by experienced artists and local art enthusiasts.
Also present during the press conference were President of Brunei Art Forum and Director of Rainforest Gallery Dato Paduka Haji Shofri bin Haji Abdul Ghafor, Vice President of Brunei Art Forum and Director of Creative Space Haji Osman bin Haji Mohammad, and Director and founder of Stain.bn Fairuz Zaini.