I've always wanted to write more about one of my greatest passions: art. Art comes in many forms, but art is all about expression. Art is all around us, everywhere. I've always wanted to share more on art and art exhibitions. I've been exposed to the art world since I was small, inheriting my dad's love for the arts. I've written a bit about it in one of my first ever blog posts: the persistence of memory.

I think I have been to almost all of RA Fine Arts, the Gallery exhibitions since 2007, but sadly, I don't think I've ever posted about any exhibitions yet, as much as I've always wanted to. I took photos every time, but in the end I never blogged anything. (Facebook albums  shared with friends do not count eventhough I posted quite a number back then).

I suppose the reason I haven't been blogging about it (apart from being busy) is because my expectations are too high on myself. Especially being surrounded by artistically inclined people in the local art scene. Without me realizing, I created unnecessary pressure on myself to translate what I feel and the thoughts in my mind into words. But now, I think I've accepted the fact. I am no professional art-critic. Far from it. Just someone who enjoys the arts and its beauty. I enjoy seeing and be in touch with my thoughts and feelings when I see it. Praises to God for the inspiration and for granting me those feelings and giving me the chance to enjoy all this.

So, that's the not so short story of the BIRTH of my first post on an art exhibition! This post. :)

This coming Saturday night, there will be the launching of a solo exhibition by Akhmal Asyraf titled Chapter 1: Rebirth at RA Fine Arts at 8.00pm. I accompanied my Dad as we both set foot on Publika for the first time since we suffered our ordeals last year. There was a small press-conference in relation to the upcoming solo exhibition.

I spoke a little with the artist and by eavesdropping on his conversations while being interviewed by the mainstream media I can say that he is a very humble young man who has a very interesting and mature worldview. His creativity can be seen in the concept of the art he's chosen for his solo art exhibition running from yesterday till 19th March 2013 at RA Fine Arts, the Gallery. Fresh pop-art but very experimental with a twist in the materials he's using. I love the fact that he uses old wooden doors or windows for some of his art pieces. That caught my eye since I first saw his artworks in previous exhibitions at the gallery.

 

To me, what I love about his artworks is that it tries to expose the things we hold dear the most in today's age. What values do we really uphold? What things do we unconsciously bury ourselves under, so much that what is instantly recognizable nowadays are no longer ourselves but things and symbols and signs?

His pieces are thought-provoking and makes you think. For example, what does the artwork 'Yang Enam dan Yang Lima Kamu Lupa' mean? Hubs thinks it's reference to society's corroding beliefs in the six pillars of faith ("rukun iman") and the five pillars of Islam ("rukun Islam").

I captured some of the artworks to share with all of you but trust me, no photos does any artwork justice. You have to come and see it for yourself. Moreover, what I captured is not even half of the whole collection exhibited at the gallery. In case you are wondering, the artworks were done by mixed  media on wood, canvas or paper.

Here are some details of the exhibition and the location of the gallery. I'll try my best to be there at the launch. So do come if you're interested about the exhibition, or just want a little introduction and exposure on the Malaysian arts scene, I'll see you there! God-willing.

Everyone is invited for the launch this Saturday at 8pm 

and the exhibition runs from now till 19th March 2013.

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 Press Release:-




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