KUALA LUMPUR — The Universiti Malaya Art Gallery (UMAG) is currently hosting the Visionary Journeys Art Exhibition, a collaborative event with Heart2Art Exhibitors, aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB).
The month-long exhibition, which runs from October 14 to November 14, features a lineup of 13 artists from diverse backgrounds, including part-time and full-time professionals like former lawyer Lisa Teo, emergency physician and artist Premi Subramaniam, filmmaker cum artist Linus Chung, former
advertising practioners and art directors, Siva Nair, Eng-Seong Lim, Lum Weng Wah and Fauzi
Rahin, showcasing works across a range of styles and mediums.
Other visual artists include Nor Shazlin Adb Jalil, Fauzi Abdul Rahim, Alias Alma, Abhishek Yadav, Luq Zaidismail, Maba Jaffar, and academician and former corporate man Prof. Hamid Mohamed.
Each artist brings their unique style and perspective, creating a vibrant collection that reflects the diversity of Malaysia’s contemporary art scene.
In his speech at the launch event held at UMAG on October 20, Heart2Art founder Hamid Mohamed highlighted the journey behind Visionary Journeys.
“This collection of artworks from 13 emerging and professional artists is in aid of the Malaysian Association for the Blind. We, the artists, are honoured to be part of this collaboration with UMAG and MAB, celebrating the power of art while supporting the visually impaired,” he shared.
He also acknowledged the involvement of blind artists whose contributions add profound depth to the exhibit, saying, “The collaboration is not only about showcasing talents within our group but also presenting the creativity of some of our visually impaired friends, as seen in today’s musical performance and selected paintings.”
Organising an exhibition of this magnitude, Hamid noted, was a significant undertaking.
“Efforts to stage this exhibition began a year and a half ago. Securing gallery space in Kuala Lumpur is challenging, as many venues book one to two years in advance. We are incredibly grateful to Universiti Malaya Art Gallery for providing this opportunity,” he said.
The Visionary Journeys exhibition is designed to be more than a display of visual artistry; it is an exploration of the blessings of sight, expressed through vivid colours and imaginative compositions.
Its theme pays homage to those who navigate life without vision yet accomplish much and lead meaningful lives. “As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of our world and our art, we must also feel empathy for those who lack such visionary pleasures,” Hamid said.
“This exhibition is a tribute to the resilience of visually impaired individuals, with a portion of the proceeds from artwork sales dedicated to supporting MAB’s mission of improving the quality of life for the blind.”
The Universiti Malaya Art Gallery is located in the university’s central library, offering an accessible space for art lovers and supporters to experience this unique event, which invites visitors to appreciate not only the artwork but also the indomitable spirit of the visually impaired community. – October 27, 2024