| Aziz Idris |
THE largest collection of local masterpieces and affordable art are currently on display at the Arts Gallery of the Dermaga Diraja in the capital, following the launch of the ‘Art Vision’ fair yesterday.
Present to officiate the art fair was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, also the guest of honour Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
Some 200 visual artworks from 68 local artists of different generations are being displayed until July 31.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the gallery dubbed ‘Point of View’ from 9am to 4pm daily. Admission is free.
Apart from the art exhibition, organisers of Art Vision will also be hosting the first ‘Brunei Art Bargain,’ where the public can purchase artworks at an affordable price.
Organisers call on the general public to support local artists and urge art appraisers to consider investing in some of the artworks.
During the expo, various art-related activities such as forums, workshops and art demonstrations by experienced artists and local art enthusiasts will also be organised to generate interest from the public, especially visiting school students.
In a welcoming speech, Brunei Art Forum President cum Rainforest Gallery Director Dato Paduka Haji Shofri bin Haji Abdul Ghafor expressed gratitude to all youth involved in organising the event.
He hopes the new generation of artists can continue promoting local artwork through similar events, and at the same time help create a sustainable development of a vibrant art scene by creating diverse job opportunities in the creative sector.
The guest of honour later toured the galleries and mingled with local artists.
Art Vision is organised by the Brunei Art Forum and the Department of Museums Brunei, with the support of local art galleries and creative studios namely – Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio, Kaleidoscope Studio, Stain, Rainforest Art Gallery, Jo’s Art Gallery and Decor, Mizaty Gallery, The Birdhouse Studio and Arttralia.
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports personnel, Brunei Art Forum members, as well as representatives from the Department of Museums as well as the supporting art galleries and creative studios were also in attendance.