what's art

CELESTE PRIZE 2011, 3rd edition

2011-03-23T23:19:00.000+08:00

Last day for prize entries 31 July
Final exhibition and awards in New York in November 2011

6,000 € - Painting Prize
6,000 € - Photography & Digital Graphics
6,000 € - Video & Animation
6,000 € - Installation & Sculpture
6,000 € - Live Media & Performance

The 50 finalist artists will be chosen by a jury and selection comittee of international art critics and curators led by Eugene Tan. Each selector will make his or her personal choices known in public, onsite. Names of selectors will be published no later than end of February.

Winners receive

Cash prizes totaling 20,000€
Promotion and exposure by a New York based press office
Personalised, 2 minute video-trailer for each winner
150-page catalogue is free for winners

Benefits for Finalists

Cash reimbursement for travel/transport totaling 10,000 €
5 artists invited to an exhibition at the Tria Gallery - New York
2 artists invited to a residency in Lecce and Siena (Italy)
1 artist invited to a residency in Brooklyn - New York
Promotion and exposure by a New York based press office
150-page catalogue is free for finalists

Benefits for all participating artists

2 works in Celeste Prize 2011 - New York
2 works in theme exhibitions Producing Censorship - Milan/New York
1 photographer at Shipping Minds exhibition, Coimbra, Portugal, 7-28 May
4 video works in a video screening at Icon Gallery, Coimbra, Portugal, 28 May
Fonlad Festival, Portugal, exhibition on the UAVM Museum
Student artist receives a free 3 months art course at the Siena Art Institute, Italy
Constant international promotion, thanks to priority filters and special displays
Facilitated access to over 300 curators and 200 art galleries active in the network
Hundreds of artists are contacted in Celeste every year with invitations to exhibit

Final Exhibition, Get to-Know Party, Open Studios in New York

Invite to a unique Get to-Know Party pre-final exhibition party
Jurors will introduce works in a tour of 50 finalist works
Art talk with curators
Brooklyn Open Studios

For more info:http://www.celesteprize.com

Organized by Celeste Network, a web platform in which artists and arts professionals from around the world who share common interests in contemporary art, encourage new projects, and promote their work in a positive and active community of like-minded individuals.

3 Young Contemporaries: Itineraries

2011-03-20T22:27:00.002+08:00

Kornkrit JIANPINIDNAN(กรกฤช เจียรพินิจนันท์)
Pratchaya PHINTHONG(ปรัชญา พิณทอง)
Arin RUNGJANG(อริญชย์ รุ่งแจ้ง)

6 - 28 APR 2011

@ VWFA, KUALA LUMPUR

Contemporary attitudes and engagements with internal and external environments

via photography and installation.

CURATED BY: David Teh

*Artist/Curator Talk: Saturday, 9th April, 3pm

ZAC LEE - New Species C-4, March 12 – 28, 2010

2010-03-02T13:31:00.003+08:00

Award winning artist, ZAC LEE, develops the series New Species, C-4, with visual vibrancy and humour. The durian, known as the king of fruits is native to SE Asia where the different species are identified through letters and numbers. Lee uses this iconic fruit to make social and political commentary.

His fiction and new species of durian C-4 , embraces references to discord, political struggle and power, through analogies to the characteristics of the fruit; prickly with unpleasant odour , but also delicious and sensual.

Lee’s simple yet powerful concepts coupled with technical digital media, photography and silk screen skills are beautifully executed.

@ KL PAC, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre , Sentul Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Priced between RM 3,500 - RM 5,300
Info: stag@tm.net.my or +603 7958 2185 Shalini Ganendra Fine Art ; or +603 4047 9010 KL Pac.

24th Asian International Art Exhibition (AIAE)

2009-11-27T17:12:00.007+08:00

Whoops! We've been so busy with our personal lives we missed this year's Art Expo Malaysia, but you can read all about it on arteri.

Although we do suggest you get your art loving butts down to The 24th Asian International Art Exhibition (AIAE) held at the National Art Gallery from 20 November 2009 - 31 January 2010.

About 250 artists from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and host country Malaysia are taking part in this major international exhibition.

Around 100 artists and delegates from the participating countries were in town to attend the 3-day opening programme which include the official opening, art forum and cultural visits. Go to BSLN's site for more info.

PLANTATIONS

2009-10-06T08:20:00.007+08:00

Plantations is a solo exhibition launching a new series of oil paintings by yusof majid. these ominous, somber landscapes are a big depature from his last series which was far more naive and whimsical in its outlook

The show looks at different ways we experience landscape both literally, 'being there,' and internally as interior landscapes of memory and imaginings. the show is at Pace Gallery and is open to the public from the 15th October to the 1st November. Admission is free

Watch tower

open space

Returning home

Architect Turned Artist?

2009-09-07T04:52:00.012+08:00

Indra Ramanathan is both an artist trapped in an architect’s body and an architect trapped in an artist’s body. His day job places him as the man behind edgy design conscious clients such as BRDB, Sultans Lounge and KL Convention Centre… Always one to push and explore his creative boundaries, Indra's creative and personal journey takes form through paint when his first ever solo exhibition dubbed (sans) Horizon at Pace Gallery opens this Wednesday…

Whatsart caught up with him, his friend;Yeo and Yusof Majid at an… ahem… bar converted from an old barber shop called Super Lady somewhere in Kepong …his pick, but actually a lot less seedy and so offbeat that it was really kinda cool in a Quentin Tarrantino-esque way to get the down low:

How Long Have you been working on your show?

I reckon I’ve been working on it for about 20 years. I used to paint and stopped because I got busy running a commercial practice as an architect, that’s my day job which has taken me all over the world. It’s been a long time coming… But physically, with the studio space and being serious about everything, really in the last 8-9 months… I’ve basically thought about doing this for a long time… trying to transpose my thought process and architecture from 2-d into artforms all my life… I’ve been thinking about doing a body of work ever since I was studying.

Describe your thought process and creative journey for this series

I’m going to be painting for 4 years from this year; ‘9.9.9’, -9 pieces by 9^th, September, 2009; 10.10.10; 10 pieces…. until 2012, and the pieces are all going to be at Pace, and really I think the defining moment, or when I will be taken seriously as an artist would be next year. ‘Cos this year it’s already sold out, it’s gonna happen just because my friends are gonna buy it.

The paintings are about all the places I’ve been, cities that my work has brought me, so this show will contain my journeys through 9 countries… I painted everything together, at the same time, people think I’m crazy, someone told me I should paint them one by one but I was like f*** that I was lining up the canvasses everywhere and painting it all at once. It was a very emotive experience.

My wife has not seen it yet... she is very worried but at the same time looking forward to it.

Yeo: I don’t think any of them would look out of place in a corporate office… He’s genius

How would you describe your style?

Abstract minimalist using layer, over layer, over layers of color that changes as I go along and I stamped it with the airport code of each city… like KUL for Kuala Lumpur. It represents the journey and whatever impressions those cities have left on me… The stories and I could tell you about the hundreds of thing that happened to me which I’ve expressed in these paintings. Emotions that I have no words for.

Yusof: Hey! Say Something about Pace Gallery in there!

What was the catalyst for you guys deciding to do it at Pace Gallery?

Indra: ... just turned forty and I pretty much have everything I want, and I don’t want to miss out on this…opportunity to explore different mediums self expression. I’ve had a blessed life, Thank the Lord … And because Pace has agreed to.

Yusof: trying to sound clever... Because I want to see an architect transfer the monumental, structural thought process documented on a canvas.

Indra: No, really. I like the fact that he moves the emerging, young artists

Have you developed a distinct style or do you intend to work towards developing one?

At this stage I would say no

Are you a collector yourself?

I have about 30 pieces… Khalil, a lot of Sabree, I have a few new UITM grad works, Wei Ling, it’s very varied.

Anyone you’re particularly drawn to?

I appreciate all art forms

See Indra Ramanathan pull off his solo exhibition this wednesday, 9th September 2009 at 9pm, Pace Gallery or watch this space...

Because it's True... and Funny

2009-08-09T05:24:00.004+08:00

Busted! This is so obviously a filler.... But it's so funny I thought I'd share
note to self: must post Pace Anniversary show soon

Pace Gallery 2nd Year Anniversary

2009-08-07T14:21:00.006+08:00

Pace gallery celebrates its second year anniversary on Saturday 8th August with a group exhibition of twelve artists, all of whom have exhibited at Pace in that time. Each Artist has contributed one piece of work. The title of the show is 'recent works' and will be on until the 22nd August. Below are some of the works on display.

jai

Rajinder Singh

Ivan Lam

Yusof Majid

Suddin Lappo's solo at Pace

2009-07-21T16:06:00.002+08:00

This is Suddin Lappo’s much anticipated first solo. He is an extraordinary talented artist and part of the dikalajingga art group, which has five members including him.

The whole body of work is centred on the traditional use of the human figure as subject matter. His use of paint is loosely applied washes of thinly layered light greys, greens, oranges and umbers covering large areas that overlap, dripping over other layers of paint that sit on the canvas flatly.

The sole figure in each work, whether partially exposed, from the side of the canvas or as a full figure sitting in the middle of the painting are built up with bold fast strokes of flesh colour of no more than three tones and sit comfortably against the coats of pastel coloured landcapes of paint that often than not drip spontaneously over the figure fusing the painting together, background and foreground entwined.

The show is open to the public from 23^rd July until 2^nd August at Pace gallery

Move It or Lose It

2009-07-14T05:03:00.003+08:00

Justin Lim

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
2009, Acylic on Canvas
-Sold-

I tried to go see with some intent to buy from the Fab 4 show featuring Justin Lim, Wong Chee Meng, Fauzulyusri and Samsudin Wahab @ Taksu today and somehow got the dates wrong in my head ~need to seriously start writing things down. Missed that boat! All of Fazul, Justin & Shamsudin's awesomely quirky, edgy & very contemporary pieces were completely snapped up! Shamsudin's weren't even there anymore... this was the one time I wished the staff anywhere were less efficient! I'm so mad at myself right now. The upside? Art flying off the walls like hot-cakes despite supposed trying economic times... What recession?

Minister's Art of Drawing Tourists

2009-07-09T05:46:00.002+08:00

Kudos to Ng Yen Yen. I've always liked her because she seems cleverer than the others. Let's see if she can make things happen!

Last week the tourism minister announced that the National Art Gallery's works of art will be the country's new tourism product. Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen wants to said the ministry was currently having discussions with travel agencies to propose 'art tourism' as a new form of luring tourists into the country.

"Art tourism is one of my new (tourism) products and I want to begin by promoting the National Art gallery," she said at an exhibition showcasing paintings by Zhang Zhou of Liaoning, China, the resident artist of the Modern Arts Gallery in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Dr Ng told reporters that visual art was a hidden treasure which she wanted to develop, and that artists could also become millionaires as paintings had become collectible commodity which could fetch high prices worldwide. She hopes to get cooperation from the education ministry to develop art education among children, from as young as five.

She also cited a work by a local artist that sold at US$46,000(RM162,845) at Christie's Auction House in Hong Kong. ~I wonder whose it was?

iPhone Apps for Art Lovers

2009-07-06T02:24:00.001+08:00

Here's how awesome it can get when art & technology collide that i almost want to take back all my anti-iPhone rants for the past 2 years so I can engage in the following apps. Or... maybe I just won't use it as a phone.

Art Envi, the #1 paid app in the Japanese App Store turns your iPhone into a giant art gallery, with collections from the world's best artists, giving you easy, full-screen access to thousands of Web-based masterpieces, indexed by artist with multi-touch controls, in automated slide shows.

The National Gallery in London has a similar app called Love Art which is a tour of about 250 art treasures at the museum that "will take you on an incredible journey into art" with videos, audio commentary, zoomable high-resolution image galleries, and theme tours. Best of all it's FREE!!!

Last month, The New Yorker had a cover made on the iPhone Brushes app in under one hour by artist Jorge Colombo. Artists and iPhone and iPod Touch users are now producing paintings on their hand-held devices! These images are created using an application called Brushes for iPhones -freehand using fingers and thumbs. A zoom feature lets you do detailed work and an undo feature lets you correct any mistakes. The app also records brush strokes and replays your paintings like a movie. Brushes also has a Twitter account and a flikr group where artists share their creations.

Michael Jackson Inspired Art

2009-07-02T01:31:00.005+08:00

Top: Banksy

Bottom: Left -Jeff Koons, Right -Andy Warhol

As millions of people mourn the loss of The King of Pop (R.I.P), I think it's apt that we highlight the art he inspired. I found this article at if its hip its here that gives a 'best & worst of' rundown on pretty much everything between iconic works from greats like Warhol to the just plain weird. Guess my work is done for today.

Ponzi Scheme Investor to Sell Art Collection

2009-07-01T07:08:00.006+08:00

After weeks of negotiations between J. Ezra Merkin and Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York financier who lost more than $2.4 billion of his clients’ money in Bernard L. Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, has agreed to sell his famed art collection today for $310 million. The two sides have finally agreed to put almost $191 million in an escrow account that could eventually be used to repay investors. Justice Richard Lowe of the New York State Supreme Court is expected to approve the art deal, The New York Times reported.

The art collection, includes 15 pieces by the painter Mark Rothko and the sculptor Alberto Giacometti. Merkin was paying $60,000 a month for insurance and had $61.3 million left in loans originally taken out to buy the art.

“This will preserve assets that, if our litigation is successful, will provide restitution to victims of Mr. Merkin’s alleged fraud. As Mr. Merkin continues to defend against the actions brought against him by the New York Attorney General and others, he and his wife have decided to sell the core of their art collection in a private sale,” a spokesman for Merkin said in a statement. “The Merkins believe the lawsuits are without merit and have agreed, without prejudice to their rights, to place the net proceeds of the sale in escrow while the litigation continues.” Cuomo’s office said in a statement.

Merkin collected more than $470 million for managing three funds — Ariel, Gabriel and Ascot Partners — over the last decade. The three funds are said to have about $1.4 billion in assets remaining, including about $700 million in Ariel, which Merkin has continued to oversee. In April, Mr. Cuomo officially charged Merkin with lying to his investors about how he was handling their money. A month later, Merkin agreed to surrender the assets in his three investment funds to a liquidator.

A Touch of Gold: J-Cent Mu Solo

2009-06-30T02:34:00.012+08:00

Malaysian self taught artist, J-Cent Mu, an ex-interior design specialist's unmistakable style is expressed with 2D and 3D relief mixed media artwork achieved by molding polyester resin and fiberglass for texture before applying acrylic paint, followed by water to achieve incredible fluidity in color composition.
~It really is quite an unique medium!

Motivated by his ‘Malaysian-ness’ and drawing inspiration from nature, J-Cent creates moods by capturing the beauty and tranquility of the natural world on his canvas.

A Touch of Gold series was discovered by accident. Through experiment, J-Cent found the colour gold to be especially captivating. In deciding to explore the aesthetic possibilities of the colour gold, A Touch of Gold was born, denoting to some extent, the culmination of J-Cent’s work coming full circle yet holds room for infinite possibilities.

Both J-Cent's previous series ‘koi’ and ‘geometric’ have come to be valued by many and are now sought after by both individual collectors as well as corporations.

A Touch of Gold solo exhibition is going on at WL Fine Arts.

WL Fine Arts
94, Jalan Chantek (Off Jln Gasing), PJ
26th June - 26th July 2009
03 7958 1848
9am - 7pm

Where Are the Art Critics?

2009-06-21T03:29:00.002+08:00

Fans or Critics?

A professional art critic specializes in evaluating art usually in published reviews to enhance the appreciation of art through a good eye for art and art history knowledge. In the U.S and Europe there have been of heated debates concerning the loss of relevance and authority of art critics. Today's critics seem to be nothing more than spectators or reporters from the sidelines as the art world unfolds before them.

In Malaysia who has ever had any such influence on our art to begin with? There are no Jerry Saltzs to speak of... Is the value of our art influenced by opinions of individuals who have a direct interest in the market? Do public discourse concerning local art and culture play any part in the development of the market? Or are they just there as a support system for an elitist club?

Singapore on Top of The Art Game

2009-06-19T00:31:00.002+08:00

Christie's art storage facility

Banking on this region as a major consumer hub for art, Singapore steps up their game as a trading and cultural hub for Asia. An ambitious project that aims to revolutionize art storage and trading is due to open in December this year. The world’s largest facility built to receive collectibles, from artwork to vintage cars, the Singapore Free Port is a tax free, three storey high warehouse with optimal temperature conditions and security features designed for the long-term conservation of collectibles with 30,000 square meters of strong rooms, offices and showrooms.

Despite the global art market suffering in the economic downturn, apparently Asia is where the action is with enormous Indian and Chinese collections deteriorating in ill-suited warehouses and Malaysian collectors reportedly rent entire apartments just to store artworks. Christie's has already taken up 40% of the space for a storage facility. Sigh! Now, why didn't we think of it first?

Celeste Prize: Calling Artists

2009-06-12T01:38:00.001+08:00

Celeste Prize 2009 is an international contemporary arts prize for the following categories:

PAINTING PRIZE 8,000 euro
PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL GRAPHICS PRIZE 8,000 euro
VIDEO & ANIMATION PRIZE 8,000 euro
INSTALLATION & SCULPTURE PRIZE 8,000 euro
LIVE MEDIA PRIZE 8,000 euro

Entries online by 30 june 2009, 50 euro submission fee

The 46 finalist works will be selected by a panel of international art critics composed of Mark Gisbourne (UK), Adrienne Goehler (Germany), and Victoria Lu (MOCA, Shanghai, China).

The final exhibition and awards ceremony in which finalists vote will be in Berlin, Germany on 26 September 2009 at the Alte AEG Fabrik, 5 Voltastrasse.

Celeste is also a network in which artists and contemporary arts professionals worldwide meet and share work and information.

You can register free as an individual or as an institution in Celeste to take up your personal space with unlimited upload of images, videos and texts: http://www.celesteprize.com/eng_auth_login/

Celeste is organised by
an Italian non-profit cultural association:
'Associazione Culutrale L'Albero Celeste,
Via Sangallo 23,
53036 Poggibonsi (Siena), Italy
Tel / Fax : +39 0577 939425
info@celesteprize.com
www.celesteprize.com

UiTM Grad Show

2009-06-11T00:07:00.007+08:00

See my personal favorites

I got this one :)

Freeman Fellowship goes to Nirmala Karuppiah

2009-06-09T01:16:00.002+08:00

NIRMALA KARUPPIAH (b. 1972, Malaysia) has been awarded a 2009/2010 Freeman Fellowship at Vermont Studio Center, USA. During the Fellowship, Karuppiah will further investigate and develop her blend of culture narrative and traditional photographic techniques.

Works primarily with black and white photography, using traditional documentary techniques, as well as contemporary formats, Nirmala's body of work documents Malaysian dance troupes specifically traditional Indian dance. She has traveled extensively to capture dancers, audiences, performances and silences. She also photographs urban and rural landscapes, investigating cultural dialogues and developments.

Her masterful interpretations of these subjects have brought her recognition as a formidable young photographic talent with a discerning and elegant eye. Nirmala's work was most recently featured in the SGFA Gallery showing during Asia Week 2009, New York.

UITM Degree show, selected works

2009-06-06T12:26:00.003+08:00

Public Display of Personal Effects

2009-06-01T02:23:00.016+08:00

Of all the lies Bush Sr. has told with I'm gonna have to pick on this one:
'We are not the sum of our possessions'. Because we are!

Personal Effects... Belongings... Possessions... Stuff. - Our selves, our identities are very much tied to the objects we own. They say as much about who we are (if not more sometimes) as our speech and actions.

Last night, local artists, designers, writers and film-makers gave us an intimate peek into their lives, minds, selves by breaking down their favorite thing for us at the Rogue Art Personal Effects show. Clothing, toys, keys and other knick-knacks made memorable memorabilia, setting the tone for an eclectic crowd, great conversation, and a swooning damsel side-show to make one helluva opening night.

True to their nature, Rogue Art's efferts struck up many a conversations that broke aesthetic appreciation barriers by appealing to the collectors/voyeurs/kepohs in all of us in this cleverly put together show. You really don't have to be an art lover to relate to this stuff.

Yee I-Lan & Joe Kidd's rockin' silk-screened Baju Melayus

"I want THIS!!!" -Chris loved Seksan/Ah Fong's seksi Rabbit Chair

Jai's rather neat Cabinet

Huzir's father's intimidating shoes

Chang Yoong Chia's toy conjured shadow

Su-Ann's Postcard Collection

PERSONAL EFFECTS
30 May to 13 June 2009
at No. 19 Jalan Berangan
Kuala Lumpur 50200
(Behind Changkat Bukit Bintang)

Participating artists and designers:

Ahmad Fuad Osman
Ahmad Zakii Anwar
Anurendra Jegadeva
Askandar Unglehrt
Chang Yoong Chia
Chuah Chong Yong
Claire Wong & Huzir Sulaiman
Hasnul Jamal Saidon
Hayati Mokhtar
Imaya Wong
Jalaini Abu Hassan
Jaslena Amir
Joe Kidd & Yee I-Lann
Liew Kwai Fei
Lim Oon Soon
Nazim Esa
Ng Seksan
Nur Hanim Khairuddin
Rina Matsui
Roslisham Ismail (Ise)
Sharaad Kuttan
Sharon Chin
Su-Ann Wong
Vincent Leong
Wong Hoy Cheong
Wong Perng Fey
Yap Sau Bin

A Sneak Preview

2009-05-30T11:12:00.008+08:00

The much anticipated first solo of Samssudin Lappo's work will be this July entitled Kepingin (Desire.) The whole body of work is centred around the traditional use of the human figure as subject matter. Lappo is part of the dikalajingga art group. The show follows after the immensely popular and successful solo by fellow group member, Nurazmal Yusoff that just ended at Pace. Here's a sneak peek of what to expect.

WWF Exhibition 'Tanah Air' @ Rimbun Dahan

2009-05-18T18:13:00.015+08:00

Muthalib Musa - Jawinglish

Ahmad Shukri

Terry Law - Is Our Environment A Limitless Treasure Trove

Chun Wei below ground

Raja Nazrin with Samsuddin Wahab

Nizam, unknown & Saiful Razman

Pakha & Fatima at the dinner table

above ground

below ground

Artist Nurazmal pointing out Sculptor Faiz Sukor

A huge enthusiastic art crowd of around 300 people made the yearly pilgrimage to Rimbun Dahan, in Sungai Buloh on Saturday evening for the charity exhibition Tanah Air. This year's show did not disappoint, focusing once again on an array of Malaysia's fabulous food above ground and a diverse selection of art below ground. Our secret art agent who went a snooping managed to capture a few moments.

There will be a curator’s talk on 23rd May, 3pm at Rimbun Dahan. Another highlight in conjunction with the exhibition is a collection of site- specific contemporary dance works by six emerging choreographers to from 4pm to 7pm on the 23rd and 24th May. The public is advised to call in early as seats are limited.

Please call Sujatha Krishnan @ 03- 7803 3772 ext 6304 or email skrishnan@wwf.org.my for more information on the exhibition.

The World's Best Selling Contemporary Artists List ~Chinese Rank Most

2009-05-16T03:10:00.003+08:00

Yue Minjun, known works depicting himself laughing in various settings

According to the 2008 survey of the global art market by Artprice, a report listing the 500 top-selling contemporary artists, based on results from 2,900 auctions between July 2007 and June 2008. 11 out of the the world's top 20 best-selling artists, are Chinese. The four cornerstones of contemporary Chinese art, an elite which includes Wang Guangyi, Fang Lijun, Zhang Xiaogang and Yue Minjun are amongst the world's most sought-after artists. Art experts see this as an indication that Asian art will dominate art sales around the globe soon.

Listing of the top 20 most popular artists (based on auction records) from July 2007-July 2008, as compiled by Artprice.

1. Jeff Koons (b.1955)
Type of art: sculpture, mixed-media
Nationality: American
Sales at auction (07-08): £69.4 million

2. Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-88)
Type of art: Painting (ex-graffiti artist)
Nationality: American
Sales at auction (07-08): £54.3 million

3. Damien Hirst (b.1965)
Type of art: Sculpture, mixed-media, Turner Prize-winner
Nationality: British
Sales at auction (07-08): £45.8 million.
Note: The survey excludes Hirst's Sept 2008 auction of £100 million.

4. Richard Prince (b.1949)
Type of art: painting, fine art photography
Nationality: American
Sales at auction (07-08): £33 million

5. Zhang Xiaogang (b.1958)
Type of art: surrealism, portraiture
Nationality: Chinese (Yunnan)
Sales at auction (07-08): £32.3 million

6. Zeng Fanzhi (b.1964)
Type of art: figure painting, portraits
Nationality: Chinese (Wuhan)
Sales at auction (07-08): £27.8 million

7. Yue Minjun (b.1962)
Type of art: figurative paintings
Nationality: Chinese (Heilongjiang)
Sales at auction (07-08): £27.5 million

8. Takashi Murakami (b.1962) ~my favorite!!!
Type of art: Sculpture, painting, installation
Nationality: Japanese
Sales at auction (07-08): £15.5 million

9. Wang Guangyi (b.1957)
Type of art: Mixed-media, painting
Nationality: Chinese (Heilongjiang)
Sales at auction (07-08): £11.7 million

10. Liu Xiaodong (b.1963)
Type of art: Painting, fine art photography
Nationality: Chinese (Liaoning)
Sales at auction (07-08): £10.5 million

11. Cai Guo-Qiang (b.1957)
Type of artwork: performance art (explosive events)
Nationality: Chinese
Sales at auction (07-08): £10.1 million

12. Yan Pei-Ming (b.1960)
Type of art: Portraitist
Nationality: Chinese (Shanghai)
Sales at auction (07-08): £9.9 million

13. Chen Yifei (b.1946)
Type of art: Painting
Nationality: Chinese (Zhejing)
Sales at auction (07-08): £9.7 million

14. Fang Lijun (b.1963)
Type of art: Painting
Nationality: Chinese (Hebei)
Sales at auction (07-08): £9.6 million

15. Liu Ye (b.1964)
Type of art: Avant-garde artist
Nationality: Chinese
Sales at auction (07-08): £8.8 million

17. Zhou Chunya (b.1955)
Type of art: Portrait paintings
Nationality: Chinese (Sichuan)
Sales at auction (07-08): £8.3 million

18. Anish Kapoor (b.1954) ~yusof went to school with him
Type of art: abstract, sculpture, Turner Prize-winner
Nationality: British (born in India)
Sales at auction (07-08): £6.7 million

19. Peter Doig (b.1959)
Type of art: landscape pictures
Nationality: British
Sales at auction (07-08): £6.7 million

20. Rudolf Stingel (b.1956)
Type of art: installation and conceptual art
Nationality: German
Sales at auction (07-08): £6.5 million

According to ARTnews who interviewed dealers, consulted auction specialists, and surveyed auction results. Artists were considered based on the sum paid for a single work of art -regardless of how many works have sold at that level, the production costs involved in creating the work, or how prices for new works measure up.

The top ten, in alphabetical order, are Lucian Freud, Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Brice Marden, Bruce Nauman, Robert Rauschenberg, Gerhard Richter, Richard Serra, Frank Stella, and Cy Twombly. All of them have achieved single-work sales of US$5 million or more, while some have multiplied that figure many times over.

Malaysian contemporary art has been spotted at international auctions, fetching prices to the tune of RM117,000 to RM215,000 last year so maybe one of our guys will make this list soon. Fingers crossed.

How Artists Should Price Works

2009-05-10T02:04:00.009+08:00

Often artists are at a loss when deciding on how to price their work. Being a successful artist today is not just about producing work. It will really help your career if you have some basic smarts about the business aspects of the industry as well. Here are a few important points to consider when evaluating how your work should be priced.

Base Costs

The first thing to consider outright is your costs this goes beyond paint, stretchers and canvas. There is your studio rental, your utilities, transportation, your time, photography, phone and internet, travel, research and development.

Steady Does It

When starting out never be in a rush to sell your work at too high a price. This game is all about quantity at the start. You will sell more paintings at reasonable prices than higher prices at the beginning. The goal is to build up a wide collector base and gain a strong reputation

Reputation and Integrity
Galleries often take 40% to 50% commission. This is very important to remember when selling your own work as one day you may show at a gallery in which case you don't want your work to suddenly double in price. If you are already with a gallery you should never undercut the gallery. You could refer buyers to the gallery who represents you.

Your work should be the same price whether sold through you or the gallery this way you safeguard the value of your work and encourage sales in exhibitions which furthers your reputation as an artist. Majority of buyers prefer to buy during exhibitions because the works are documented in catalogues and invoices which add tremendously to the work's value if the buyer should decide to resell it in the future. You may put them off your work if they realise you having been selling your work out of the studio at half the price.

Appreciation
Your works should increase in value by 10% at least, per year. This minimum would be if you had a quiet year with no or few sales or any major shows. if you had a few shows a successful solo with lots of sales then you can expect your prices to increase between 20-30%. Resist the temptation to jump on the speculation bandwagon. It is important from the beginning of your career to set your prices reasonably, over the years if there's a history of steady price increase, a buyer down the line can understand and have confidence in how your works have attained such a high value in price.

Size Matters

Your larger works should always be more expensive than your smaller ones, it's not that you charge by the inch, but that it is assumed that more work and time goes into larger pieces.

Understand Your Market
Remember a 'BIG MAC' varies in price depending on which country you buy it in. If you show in New York it is understood that your work will be priced higher than in KL and vice-versa.

~Good Luck & Much Love from your friendly Gallerist~

Quite an Arty Week Indeed

2009-05-04T02:43:00.023+08:00

OMG! Am I having the the worst case of Monday blues ever!!! Moving on... This week is lined with must-dos starting Wednesday for art lovers in KL. ~A line-up some Johoreans would kill for! ~ Guess there's nothing like having a bunch of stuff to see and do to get us kick-started.

Wednesday, 6 May
Jason Wee -Ruins (see previous post) + Mit Jai Inn -The Social Mandala & Other Mit-ologies @ Valentine Willie Fine Art

Mit Jai Inn is a seminal founder of the Chiang Mai Social Installation (CMSI), a non-commercial art space that evolved as a direct refusal of neo-liberalist trends to appropriate Thai-ness and Buddhist iconography for commercial reasons. Mit has shown at Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2006) and most recently, Ver Gallery, Bangkok.

Subliminary - Sublime and Sensory @ Shah Alam Gallery
An exhibition of Visual Artworks from the collective art group Satu -featuring works by artists Elias Yamani Ismail, Faizal Sidik, Isnian Ibrahim, Nurul Azmah, Hafiz Asrun and Khairul Azmer.

Thursday, 7 May
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
COLLECTOR's CUBE @ The Private Gallery (now known as Shalini Ganendra Fine Art)
Usually open by appointment only, Shalini Ganendra Fine Art @ The Private Gallery is having an Open House viewing of early and recent works by established Malaysian artists, including Chong Siew Ying, J. Anurendra, Yeoh Kean Thai, Yau Bee Ling , Jamil Mat Isa, Chan Thim Choy... Exhibition ends in June but with works priced from RM500, I wouldn't wait 'til then.

The Light Show @ Galeri Tenaga
In case you missed it at The Annexe Gallery, The Light Show 2009 continues at Gallery Tenaga until the 23rd of this month. The Light Show features light installations made from recycled/found objects by Bernard Chauly, Carolyn Lau, Fabian Tan, Farah Azizan, Jazmi Izwan Jamal, Lisa Foo, Loh Kok Man, Mah Su Sim, and Richard Lau in their attempt to be greenie-er and d kinder.r.

Awards Evening The KL Photo Awards 2009 @ The Annexe Gallery Winners will be announced and all 46 finalists will have their portraits displayed in a public exhibition.

Norazmal Yusoff -Satire in Paint @ Pace Gallery
Emerging figurative artist's highly due 1st solo open to public.

Friday, 8 May 2009

12 noon - 12 midnight
Our World, Your Move

National Art Gallery in co-operation with Red Cross and Red Crescent society present a photography exhibit on the impact of war & violence. The show features snapshots from Afghanistan, Phillipines, Lebanon, Colombia, Haiti, Liberia, Georgia and Democratic Republic of Congo. Exhibition goes on 'til 31st May.

Saturday, 9 May 2009

12 noon - 12 midnight
The Social Mandala & Other Mit-ologies @ Valentine Willie Fine Art

Mit Jai Inn will be performing a 12 hour long interactive performance with 12 guest.

Gerak Kilat -Fathullah Luqman Solo Show @ Pelita Hati
Promising emerging Visual Artist & Musician.

Weekend, 9 - 10 May
12pm to 8pm
ART FOR GRABS + KL ALTERNATIVE BOOK FEST
@ The Annexe Gallery & Central Market
Arts, Crafts & Books Fair -with over 20 stalls selling art, photography, knick knacks, accessories, etc, all under RM100. Steal!

12noon
The Cloth That Cuts: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier
@ Art For Grabs
A public lecture by Dr Farish A. Noor, exploring cultural, ethnic and historical origins of Batik as a form of art, and how it contains various cultural, ethnic and religious influences from all of Southeast Asia and beyond.

Sunday, 10 May
Down to Earth -Eston Tan @ NN Gallery
Born in Penang and a graduate in Fine Arts from the Malaysian Institute of Art, Eston Tan is a bright young talent.With successful solo exhibitions in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan and in Hong Kong , Eston Tan continues to capture the hearts of his audiences with gentle and romantic landscapes.

Jason Wee @ vwfa

2009-04-28T19:10:00.012+08:00

Singaporean artist Jason Wee is the recipient of the Shell-NAC Scholarship, who completed his Masters Degree in Fine Art at Parsons School of Design in New York, 2006. A studio fellow at the Whitney Museum independent study program, he has founded his own artist-run space in Singapore called Grey Projects. Numerous solo and group exhibitions include the Singapore Art Museum, the Chelsea Art Museum, Peer Gallery (New York), and the Singapore Biennale 2006.

During his residency at Artspace Visual Arts Centre in Sydney in December 2007, Jason continued his research in the legendary voyages of Admiral Cheng Ho from Asia to Australia. Intrigued by the inaccuracy found in the maps used by Admiral Cheng, Jason started thinking about non-places and what they might look like.

RUINS is a moving composition of a Captain's beautiful and improbable journey through distant seas questioning history, geography and disputed maritime borders, imaginary spaces and endless seas lit by a surreal twilight.

These are mood pieces, studies of the shifts in light, following the horizon as it descends down the retina. This is what I imagine it might be like to be on a ship far from land, far from any markers of habitation, season, or location. All I see is sunlight, ocean and sky. Any hope of safe landing is ruined by the distance. The voyage becomes keyed to small changes in the horizon. On a ship like this, I would imagine that it would be hard to keep my eyes open. ~ Jason Wee

RUINS: CAPTAIN’S LOG ENTRIES ON DAYS WITH NO ENDS
6 – 23 May 2009
Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(P): +60 (0)32284 2348 (F): +60 (0)32282 5190 (M): +6012 463 9376
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri, 12 - 8pm, Sat 12-6pm

Being Ahmad Zakii Anwar

2009-04-26T04:45:00.025+08:00

Time Magazine called him a sexual-rights advocate. Famous for his realist male nudes, Zakii is definitely one of the most internationally accomplished Malaysian artists. So what's he really about? The man who is responsible for bringing sexy (figuratively) back to Malaysian Contemporary Art is wise, self-aware and wickedly funny as I found out when I got the pleasure of chatting with him about life's distractions, the meaning of success, annoying writers and what keeps him up at night.

Zakii's work in progress

So, has your life unfolded pretty much as you'd hoped?
Yes sort of. I'm happy with where I'm at... but I've never expected anything in life, you know?
I think whatever success is, the important thing is to do the work.

How would you define a successful artist?
You can define it from a financial perspective if that's how you want to measure it. But for me I think it's important to do things which you want to do. The money is good, I mean it's great. It helps you but even if it's not there you can live without too much money.

So you're saying success is more important than money? Or are they tied together?
Depends how you define success. It's always nice to be successful financially but if you're successful artistically it kinda comes with the territory. A lot of people want to be successful but they don't want to put in the effort... it's important not to think about the success but the effort because success is the end result. It's the effort that counts because if your success is not based on good work then it will only be temporary. Don't think about the success, don't worry about the money. That will come automatically, just put in the effort and success will come. It's a bonus. It's not easy for any artist... it takes at least 5-10 years of hard work before you get some sort of recognition but people always pray for success and money but never for the efforts. But really that's what they should do -pray you make the right decisions and that your efforts are good.

You have a reputation of being elusive. You know this right? How would you respond to this description?
uhm... well... (infectious laughter)
Meaning how? Not easily...

Accessible?
I'm just basically a loner that's all so I don't socialize that much... I used to drink a lot but then I stopped. I don't socialize that much anymore. There was a point in time where I did but these days I tend to be at home.

Is that reflected in your work at all?
Not really... I don't even paint that much anymore. After the Petronas show, that was in August and then I did that charity show with Rogue Art in late October, after that for 3 months I didn't work. There was a time as an artist you do not want to be anywhere but in the studio painting, but now things have changed. Maybe it's age or you get lazy. (laughs)

What keeps you awake at night?
The internet. I read a lot and I like painting at night actually... I'm nocturnal. I think when I'm asleep the creative energy is not used up so much. You feel the energy when you're alone. So I like working at night.

Do you google yourself?
Yes!

Is there a message that you hope comes out through your work? Or theme?
Really it's up to you, if you look at this drawings (gestures to his work) there's no expression, the guy's on a white background and you can't relate him to anything so I'm letting you engage in whichever way you want because the figures are not particularly in action, not angry, in despair or crying. I refrain from making any statements. I'm presenting a situation so you react to it according to how you see things.

What is the one question that you've never been asked that you wish a writer would ask you?
Depends on the writer. A writer from the newspapers once asked "How many paintings do you have? ...How many days did you take to do this?" (laughs) Artists are great B.S-ers, you know?

*Clearly that's not what he likes to be asked.

But surely there something you've thought of that you're thinking ..why do they never ask me that?
Really a lot of artists can't explain their work not because they're not intelligent or they don't know but simply because they think visually they don't think in words. It's more of a visual intelligence.

Does visual intelligence have anything to do with emotional intelligence?
Yeah. It's connected. Visual intelligence is something you're born with. You can learn it but if you don't have it you'll never have it. I've always wondered about the relationship between an artist and a collector. Like Steve (Wong) for example; obviously there is a certain connection there, a vision, the collector has a visual intelligence but he can't articulate it into a painting.

*I'm finding Zakii visually and verbally very articulate thus far.

What's on Zakii's Fridge

How do you pick your subjects?
If I'm painting a banana, I'll go to the shop and spend quite a bit of time looking for that particular banana.

Wait. So you decide you want to paint a banana first? You don't see a banana and decide you want to paint that?
Yes. Curve, texture, color. It has to be that particular one. When I choose a model it's the same. That certain figure, or look says more to you, that you identify with. it's not logical it's instinctive; you feel a connection. Because if I'm not excited about this thing or person, I can't paint him. This guy does yoga by the way (points to nude painting of super ripped Robert)

Ever paint naked women?
Yes. But I prefer the male body. It's more interesting. (gestures to his work)

*I find myself agreeing. But by now I totally have a not so secret crush on him.

Are you a collector?
I collect weapons. The Keris. Malay weapons. It's an extremely deadly weapon but it is also extremely beautiful at the same time. It's in itself craft. The combination of extreme deadliness and beauty I find that attactive. Beauty and danger gives it a different dimension, a certain intrigue. But not seriously. The most I've I've paid is about RM 8,000 but they go for a few hundred thousand.

What about art?
Amongst artists yes we swap. We have that privilege. (cheeky grin)

Who are the younger artists that you're watching?
I like Shamsuddin Wahab. He's good. He's now doing his residency at Rimbun. Beautiful figurative work. I don't know who else because I don't go to KL that often.

Would you say you've come full circle or is there more to be done?
When I get in my lazy mode and I don't paint the only way to start working is to commit. Because you get into this mode and then you say to yourself ..."Okay tomorrow I'm gonna start work but of course tomorrow you don't start, I'll do something else, then it drags on and then a week goes by...

What do you do in 'lazy mode'?
I do nothing. I'm an expert at that. (more infectious laughter) No actually there's lots; gardening, fool around with the kids, go to movies, read, travel.

Any secret guilty pleasures?
Plenty but I'm not telling. (After some pleading) Okay here's one... every night before I go to bed I get on youtube and watch bugs bunny, my favourite cartoons, Richard Pryor or Carol Burnett, Robin Williams, or Rowan Atkinson who by the way is really funny. Anything that makes you laugh because I think you should go to bed happy.

Zakii translates the everyday and the ordinary into extra-ordinary. Influenced by the development of figurative realism within painting in contemporary Malaysian art practice, Zakii has explored a huge range of ideas and style through his works, which includes works from the early still-life series to his monumental charcoals on paper.

Zakii's latest series, Being; -based on the Sufi premise of "knowing oneself and then knowing God", an encounter with the body as a metaphor for the contemporary Self. The exhibition of 10 figurative works is going on now until 7 June 2009 at the NUS Museum in Singapore. This exhibition is presented by Gajah Gallery and the NUS Museum.

Show Off 09

2009-04-23T20:20:00.017+08:00

Enough of mainstream art for now, seeking something fresh I managed to get a sneak preview of Show OFF 09 at WL Fine Arts off Jalan Gasing, across from Rajoo's which opens today and goes on 'til 1st May. Artists, Sageena Satheesan, Julaiha Nazreen and Anita Nasir (Anita moolights as a lecturer @ Lim Kok Wing) were there preparing for their debut and were down to earth and kind enough give me a walk/talk-through.

A platform for brand new talent to erm... Show Off, the show celebrates 12 newcomers, an ecclectic bunch of people exploring all different mediums from watercolor to glass. The artists, namely; Mohamed Razif, D. Thanaselvam, Anita Nasir, Edwin Lee, Mark Harris, Lisa Zainuddin, Sageena Satheesan, Julaiha Nazreen, Ridwana, Alan Lam Tain Zoe and husband and wife team Yin Yang save for Mohamed Razif (who's a hardcore artist) have day-jobs mostly in the creative industries yet found the time to pull this off. -Now, that's what I call love!

No frills or fancy themes, just art from the heart. With fewer misses than one would expect from such an experimental show, it has something for everyone -edgy, reflective or just plain fun. I also appreciated that the work is nicely hung and easy to navigate, -meaning: if I was left alone I could get happily lost in there for at least an hour! These really are great first time efforts showing real future promise. Priced between RM300-RM3000 you can't really go wrong anyway. A few have already sold and even I couldn't help myself from picking up a piece or two but I'm not saying what.

This is the first show to be sponsored by WL Fine Arts (better known for their great framing) who up 'til now specializes only in KL's hush-hush but burgeoning secondary art market -and that's a whole 'nother post! doing their bit for emerging talent. -Kudos!

Verdict: Get Your Butt There!

WL Fine Arts
94, Jalan Chantek (Off Jln Gasing), PJ
24th April - 1st May 2009
9am - 7pm

An Introduction to Contemporary Art in Malaysia

2009-04-21T04:55:00.000+08:00

Sorry we missed the boat on part I & II (see disclaimer to the right) but this will be the last one of the three part series of informal talks and discussions by Curator & Writer Beverly Yong, Director, Rogue Art introducing the background and practice of contemporary visual art in Malaysia which should be as informative and interesting as the other 2. Read arteri's (my favourite new blog) review on Part I here. Art newbies mark your calendars.

Part III: Breaking New Ground
Tuesday, 28 April, 6.30pm

For many younger artists, and for a new generation of viewers, contemporary experience is most clearly expressed in the language of the visual and other sensory media that surrounds us. At the same time, global developments in art and technology have opened up new expressive possibilities for local artists. Part III introduces some of the innovators working with 'alternative media', and the processes and ideas behind art works which involve installation, performance, found objects, text, sound, video, photography, digital technology and more. A related phenomenon is a rising interest in interactive public art, with artists and artist-groups exploring ways for art to involve the viewer and the community at large, finding support from public and private institutions.

Galeri PETRONAS, Lot 341-343, Level 3,
Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Admission is Free and open to all.

Limited Participants per Workshop so please call 03 – 2051 1228 (Rofiah) or 03-2051 7717 (Juaini) to secure your spot.

Portrait : Eng Tay

2009-04-19T05:27:00.021+08:00

Since there is currently a retrospective show of his work going on at Petronas Gallery is now, we figured it apt to do his profile. The show curated by Ooi Kok Chuen, is the most comprehensive exhibition of the artist ever, assembling a selection of prints, paintings in oil and acrylic, sculptures both life-sized and marquettes, including hand-painted ceramic works. Eng Tay - The Exhibition is going on now until 17th May, 2009. A catalog of the show is available for purchase.

Eng Tay is among the few Malaysian artists to be celebrated locally while having made it overseas, in New York the epi-center of art in the US no less. Born in Kedah in 1947 he to New York City to study Fine Arts at the Art Students League in the late 60s and graduated as graphic designer at School of Visual Arts where he studied graphic design, painting and printmaking.

Eng Tay is famous for his paintings and (limited edition etchings) that tell stories of love, togetherness and camaraderie with round Gauguin-like couples embracing, music-making, dance and family intimacy. These tender moments create a warm feel-good mood whether hanging in a gallery space or your living room.

Eng Tay employs a multi-plate process in his etchings that is enriched by the a-lo-poupee technique. A technically complex process is hand painted and rubbed, burnished, blending a quiet play of color, tonalities, decorative motifs in perfect harmony.

Since his goal is to create simple poetry, his images are not pretentious or ornate, but a poetic language that is freely accessible that leave a lasting impressions of people in action and poetry in motion.

In his own words: "As I evolve I find myself less interested in the refined and the complex, and more and more drawn to expressing myself as simply as possible – which translates into a simplicity of form and an affinity with a more earthy feel. As I explore this direction I would like my work to become more and more universal and to be able to touch and reach as many others as possible; and I would wish that the boundaries between us can become fewer and fewer.”

Eng Tay still lives in New York City with his wife and 2 children. He continues to paint, sculpt and make etchings at his TriBeCa studio.

Selected Solo Exhibitions

1990

JRS Fine Prints, Providence, RI

Galeria Citra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Portfolio Graphics, Montclair, NJ

Gallery '90, London, England

Renjeau Galleries, Boston, MA

Daruma Galleries, Cedarhurst, NY

Renaissance Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA

Howard Scott Gallery, Miami, FL

Solomon Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ

1991
Parkshore Gallery, Naples, FL

Premier Gallery (host) Fredricksburg, VA

Portfolio Gallery, Portsmouth, UK

Ginger Gallery, Bristol, UK

John Sewell Fine Art, Birmingham, UK

Multiple Impressions, New York, NY

1992
Conservatory of Fine Arts, Penang, Malaysia
1993
JRS Fine Prints, Providence, RI

The Empress Place, Singapore

The Bell Gallery, Memphis, TN

1994
Crown Art Centre, Taipei, Taiwan

Multiple Impressions, New York, NY

GaleriCitra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Howard Salon, Taipei, Taiwan

Fukuyama Museum of Art, Hiroshima, Japan

"Asian Sculpture" exhibition 163 Mercer Street Gallery, New York, NY

FrameShop Gallery, New Haven, CT

1995
Sapo Gallery, Taiwan

The Bell Gallery, Memphis & Michigan

Exhibiton of Sculpture Multiple Impressions, New York, NY

Crown Arts Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan

1996
Conservatory of Fine Arts, Penang, Malaysia.

Morningside Gallery, Albany, NY

JRS Fine Art, Providence, RI

Jennifer Gallery, Avon, CT

Malaysian Arts Exhibition, New York, NY

New World Art Center, New York, NY

Pacific Artists in NY

1997
ArtFolio, Singapore

GaleriCitra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Multiple Impressions, New York City, NY

Galerie Du Monde, Hong Kong

Renjeau Galleries, Boston, MA
1998
Artworks Gallery, Worcester, MA

Gallery 7, Danbury, CT

Sheryl Leonard Gallery, Potomac, MD

Big Pagoda, San Francisco, CA

1999
Multiple Impressions, New York, NY

Midday Gallery, Englewood, NJ

Renjeau Galleries, Natick, MA

TRA Art group, Troy, MI

2000
Artfolio, Singapore

Morningside Gallery, Albany, NY

Multiple Impressions, New York, NY

P & C Art, Fairfax, VA

Gallery 44, Ellicot City, MD

2001
The Air Gallery, London, UK

Midday Gallery, Englewood, NJ

Galerie Du Monde, Hong Kong

2002
Galerie Sono, South Norwalk, CT

Galerie West, West Hampton Beach, NY

Multiple Impressions, New York, NY

2003
Canna Gallery, Indonesia

Galerie Sono, South Norwalk, CT

2004
Galeri Citra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Galeri DuMonde, Hong Kong, China

Multiple Impressions, New York City, NY
Artfolio , Singapore

Galerie Sono, South Norwalk, CT

Kiaraville, KL, Malaysia

2006
Bidadari Gallery, Bali

Canna Gallery, Indonesia

Midday Gallery, Englewood, NJ

Kiaraville, KL, Malaysia

2007
The Harrison Gallry, MA

Westville Gallery, CT

Artfolio Gallery, Singapore

Art Salon @ Seni, KL, Malaysia
2008
The Gallery@Starhill, KL, Malaysia
KL Pac, KL, Malaysia

Rising Talent: Nurazmal Yusoff

2009-04-17T13:18:00.005+08:00

As on stage comedy is played out, so too in the paintings for his anticipated solo debut next month titled Satire in Paint. A theatre for a jester. Nurazmal’s paintings are quiet. Still, the colours are soft thinned out layers capturing comical situations set against eerie austere settings. In one, a seated conversation, another an overheard conversation each with overtones of dread, disappointment, veiled with dark humour; seated clown dolls and hand puppets are ironically interpolated into what are otherwise mundane events. In one painting entitled ‘HELLO’ there is utter seriousness on the faces of the people deep in conversation. Each of the objects, the present, the note and the dead clown are pieces of a puzzle that suggest once pieced together tell a story of what has just transpired.

In other works larger than life painted self portraits laughingly stare out from the canvas enticing you like an expert jester ready to entertain. The scale of these painted facial expressions fill the entire canvas, corner to corner demanding attention menacingly yet comically as you stand reminded of the image’s existence within a two dimensional boundary.

Nurazmal’s work is refreshingly far removed from what one is usually confronted with in art, no torturous painful images or politically loaded instruction. Out is the intellectual high brow meanings we are often left to interpret. What are on show are clever paintings that suggest we should be inwardly laughing with the artist.

Why It's Time To... -Buy! Buy! Buy!

2009-04-17T03:04:00.011+08:00

The Mei Moses index, shows art prices falling 35 per cent in the first quarter following the financial crisis. The overall index fell 4.8 per cent last year. What's a collector to do?

The over-inflated bubble in the years preceding September 2008 in the art market, particularly in 2006 was bound to pop. With works of some (living) artists' quadrupling at scary rates without any real justification and instead fueled largely by speculation -the worst enemy of sustainable growth in any market. Non-speculative reasons for investment in art is key, because most people who have made money have not made it by purchasing art as a short-term investment.

The art bubble bursting means the end of speculative flipping. Sotheby's Spring Auction last week brought in a conservative US$8.9 million compared to US$51.77 million last year for contemporary art. Like the stock and property markets, a return to fundamentals, following a period of readjustment before prices stabilize is much needed in order for good work that can weather the test of time to once again start to appreciate.

Prices have yet to bottom out in our region as much as in the west and China, with works by star contemporary artists, notably Chinese Zhang Xiogang and Indonesian I Nyoman Masradi, selling at Sotheby's last week for a fraction of the prices they fetched last year. However, auctiongoers, art investors and art collectors will be faced with great opportunities in the coming months as quality works by masters will be more realistic if not at an all time low. Or maybe just buy something you like.

Top 10 Most Expensive Art

2009-04-15T01:23:00.011+08:00

So what's the most anyone's ever paid for art? -Here's a list:

1. JACKSON POLLOCK - $140 million
Number 5, 1948, 1948

Private sale, 2006. Seller: David Geffen. Buyer: David Martínez (claimed)

The price is still not confirmed (but not denied) demonstrating increasing interest for the contemporary Art.

2. WILLEM DE KOONING - $137.5 million
Woman III, 1952-53

Private sale, 2006. Seller: David Geffen. Buyer: Steven Cohen

Amongst 6 painted by the artist, this version which ended up at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, and later hidden from the public due to non-adherence to morality laws is now in private hands.

3. GUSTAV KLIMT - $135 million
Adele Bloch-Bauer I, 1907

Private sale, 2006. Buyer: Ronald Lauder

The painting was later court-ordered to be recently returned to the heirs of Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer. The Nazis confiscated his paintings during the War and were placed at the National Gallery of Austria after the war.

4. PABLO PICASSO - $104.1 million
Garçon a la pipe, 1904

Private sale, 2006. Buyer: Ronald Lauder

The most expensive painting ever sold at auction, was the first to break the Vincent Van Gogh record held since 1990, breaking the $100 million barrier.

Although the name of the buyer was withheld, sources says that it's now in the hands of Guido Barilla, the Italian pasta magnate.

5. DAMIEN HIRST - $100 million
For the Love of God

Sotheby's New York, May 2004. Buyer: Anonymous investors

Controversy surrounds this piece famous for being the most expensive sculpture and art by a living artist.

The human skull cast in platinum and encased entirely in 8601 diamonds is also the most expensive work of art ever created, costing £15m. The buyers were an unnamed investment group of which Hirst is a part of, fueling rumors that the story of the “investors” a simply a cover-up.

6. PABLO PICASSO - $95.2 million
Dora Maar Au Chat, 1941

Sotheby's New York , May 2006. Buyer: Anonymous

One of Picasso’s greatest and last works was a portrait of his then-mistress and one of his favourite models Dora Maar (29-years-old at the time) . This painting, was rediscovered by Picasso's daughter, Maya Widmaier Picasso.

7. GUSTAV KLIMT - $87.9 million
Adele Bloch-Bauer II, 1912

Christie's New York , November 2006. Buyer: unknown

The subject of the painting Adele Bloch-Baur is the only model to be painted twice by the Austrian painter.

8. FRANCIS BACON - $86.3 million
Tryptich, 1976

Sotheby's New York , May 2008. Buyer: European private

A premier artists of the surrealist period, Irish painter Francis Bacon is the most recent sale on this list.

9. VINCENT VAN GOGH - $82.5 million
Portrait of Doctor Gachet, 1890

Christie's New York , May 1990. Buyer: Ryoei Saito

At one point the most expensive paintings in the world, was sold to Japanese tycoon Ryoei Saito together with Le Moulin de la Galette, by Renoir for $78.1 million during the Japanese speculative bubble period.

Saito wound up in massive debt due to his excesses. The whereabouts of this painting is unknown. Some sources place it in Europe, but others claim Christie's bought it back for one-eighth of the price before Saito passed away.

10. JASPER JOHN - $80 million
False Start, 1959

Private Sale, Fall 2006. Buyer: Unknown

This is the third highest price ever paid for work by any contemporary artist.

Next Stop: USA - The MATAHATI Coming Out Party

2009-04-09T23:45:00.001+08:00

Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Hamir Soib @ Mohamed and Masnoor Ramli Mahmud the guys who make up the MATAHATI collective are all set for their much talked-about debut to the U.S.

Matahati ke Matadunia or Matahati in the Eyes of the World will premiere at Los Angeles-based gallery DCA Fine Art. This exhibition is crucial stepping stone for bringing their art (and other Malaysian art) to a wider and hopefully accepting audience.

It'll be interesting to see how they do. We'll keep you posted. Catch the preview of Matahati ke Matadunia exhibition showcased at Galeri Chandan, April 9th - 25th, 2009 before it takes off to Los Angeles.

Galeri Chandan

No 15, Jalan Gelenggang
Bukit Damansara 50490
Kuala Lumpur
Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm

chillin before the opening @ Chandan

What's MATAHATI?
Formed in 1989 while the five were studying together at UiTM, Matahati has organically morphed into a force to be reckoned with on the Malaysian art scene by averaging at least an exhibition a year while rapidly making their presense felt in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and as far abroad as Great Britain.

Besides being bound together since uni days by a mutual interest in current social, political, and aesthetic issues, genuine respect and like for one another, and apart from sharing a dedication to perfecting their craft, the five Matahati indivuduals work and evolve separately yet are all accomplished artists in their own right.

Ahmad Fuad Osman
To Whom It May Concern

All Star Artist Turn Out at IMCAS

2009-04-09T20:58:00.008+08:00

VIPs took a backseat as the all-star artist line-up at the opening of Iskandar Malaysia Contemporary Art Show (IMCAS) last weekend was enough to leave even the most coolest of art groupies breathlessly starstruck.

Besides Johoreans Yusof Ghani and Shooshie Sulaiman, Jai, Choy Chun Wei, the Matahati 5, Rajinder Singh and Yusof Majid were amongst some of the biggest names in the local art scene who came out in full force to support their peers and emerging talent in the single largest show to be pulled off locally -ever.

IMCAS spread over 80,000 square feet features 1000 art works by about 100 young artists up for grabs (works are priced from RM400 for smaller pieces to RM10K-15K), the IMCAS Art Awards in recognition of outstanding new talent, a silent auction and 5 spots in a Residency Program.

The real highlight though, is an exhibition of 200 pieces, never before seen art from the Aliya & Farouk Khan Collection. The largest (not for sale) collection of contemporary art, private or public which includes a section devoted to Jai's work. The collection will also be travelling to National Arts Gallery later this year.

IMCAS, the brainchild of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman is organized by Danga City Mall, supported by National Art Gallery and Iskandar Malaysia. Ghani, said in his opening speech that the Johor Goverment was commited to create a vibrant and robust art and cultural scene and thus the focus would be to develop and promote contemporary art. Ghani pledged that the Johor Government would continue to support the arts despite the economic downturn citing that a Biannale (the Johor Bahru Biannale), an International Residency Programme and a RM45mil Arts and Cultural Center (ready by 2011) is in the works. -Go Johor!

Since the soft opening last month, about 100 pieces have already been sold hitting a total revenue of RM200 000. Go see! Buy a few pieces if you have some cash to spare... you never know you could be picking up the next Zakii.

Don't complain that nothing ever happens in these here parts!
IMCAS going on now 'till June 14th, 2009 @ Level 4 of Danga City Mall in Johor Bahru.
Here's the bestest part: -Admission is free.

Zakii, Jai, Hamir Soib and Ahmad Fuad Osman

2009-04-02T03:10:00.009+08:00

Arguably the most consequential, show stopping, group show in a very, very long time...

The Watchdog
by Jai

Christie's Continued Interest in Southeast Asia

2009-03-30T04:02:00.005+08:00

Southeast Asian Modern & Contemporary Art
Christie's report on the Southeast Asian market for this past quarter:

The market for Asian contemporary art, led by Christie’s International, has grown rapidly in the last few years alongside strong sales in modern and classical art. The Southeast Asian Modern & Contemporary Art sales offers some of the most dynamic and exemplary works of a diverse group of artists working in Southeast Asia. The category is illustrative of the cultural and artistic diversity that marks art from the region and thus stands as a distinctive entity in Christie’s sales of Asian art.

Christie’s has had a specialist department devoted solely to modern and contemporary art in Southeast Asia since 1994. In May 2008, we achieved our highest sales record in the category with a sales total of HK$71.7m (US$9.2m). As the market leader in the field – having established numerous auction sales records of modern artists like Rudolf Bonnet, Le Pho, Le Mayeur, S. Sudjojono, Affandi and Hendra Gunawan – and being amongst the first to recognize the emerging and relevant talents from the region, we are proud to continue exposing the category to the international art community through the strategic sale location in Hong Kong.

Whilst rare and quality works of artists of the colonial and modern periods continue to set price records in the category, contemporary Southeast Asian artists have also come of age in the rapidly growing art infrastructure across different Southeast Asian cities in the recent couple of years buoyed by increased interest in attending exhibitions and collecting contemporary art. Contemporary artists such as I Nyoman Masriadi, Handiwirman Saputra, Agus Suwage, Rudi Mantofani, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Natee Utarit, Geraldine Javier, Ronald Ventura and Yasmin Sison are creating some of the most exciting and well-regarded artworks which we are proud to offer in our sales.

The breadth of our selection for each auction season is once again illustrated in the most recent autumn sales in November 2008 where a 19th century painting by Philippine painter Juan Luna was offered alongside fresh and progressive works of contemporary artists from Indonesia, Philippines and other countries in the region.

view original article from Christie's site

On Another Note...

2009-03-28T04:07:00.005+08:00

Doing our bit for the web community so Please...

Support Earth Hour 2009 by turning out your lights on the 28th of March 2009 (today) between 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Earth Hour is a program aimed at spreading awareness about energy conservation and global warming through a very simple premise: Everyone, everywhere, in every city in the world, is encouraged to turn out their lights for one hour.

Imagine how cool it would be to see each time-zone go dark every hour if you were in space.

The Iskandar Malaysia Contemporary Art Show

2009-03-18T16:57:00.007+08:00

The IMCAS exhibition held on the forth floor in Danga city mall Johor which opens on the 21st March , is a must see show! On display are around 1,000 contempory Malaysian art pieces including the Aliya and Farouk Khan collection which is the biggest art collection in Malaysia.

The main room on the forth floor is bigger than any of the rooms in the national art gallery in KL and has been repainted and fitted with spotlights to house an extraordinary array of paintings of various sizes, expertly hung. Upon entering one is immediately spellbound by the myriad of artworks on display. An impressive segment of the Khan’s collection. To name but a few of the artists works on display are, Yusof Ghani, Zulkifli Yusof, Annuar Rashid, Tan Chin Kuan, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Masnoor Ramli, Ahmad Shukri, Jegadeva Anurendra, Jeganathan Ramachandram, Ivan Lam, Choy Chun Wei and Yau Bee Ling. All major works that make this show a must see for any art enthusiast.

Farouk Khan with part of his art collection

NST reported:
The Iskandar Malaysia Contemporary Art Show (Imcas) 2009, which opens on the 21^st March 2009 and runs for three months will showcase about 1,000 works of more than 100 Malaysian artists, is set to place Malaysia at the forefront of the regional art market.

"The show, which begins on Saturday at the Danga City Mall in Johor Baru, is to promote art awareness in Johor Baru and indicate the kind of changes Iskandar Malaysia will bring to Johor," said Farouk Khan, who is the Imcas organising committee chairman.

Over the years, the Khans have scoured the country, buying up choice works of premier artists, convinced that Malaysian artworks were of world-class standard. One choice work that will be exhibited is Pilihan by artist Hamir Shoib, which is valued around RM500,000.

"This is a unique and important event for the Malaysian art scene, especially as it is being held outside the artists' hub of Kuala Lumpur. "I congratulate Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Danga City Mall for mooting the idea for Imcas, together with the National Art Gallery, with the aim of making it an annual affair," Farouk said.

"The development of a city state today is recognised not just in the number of buildings put up there, but the quality of life resulting from its technological and cultural development through advancement of the arts."

The unveiling of part of the couple's private artwork collection at the mall's 2,601 sq-metre anchor tenant space will represent the first public viewing of the collection.

It will serve as a preview to a show at the National Art Gallery in January next year.
Featured in the collection will be works of major contemporary artists, including Yusof Ghani, Zulkifli Yusof, Annuar Rashid, Tan Chin Kuan, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Masnoor Ramli, Ahmad Shukri, Jegadeva Anurendra, Jeganathan Ramachandram, Ivan Lam, Choy Chun Wei and Yau Bee Ling.

Farouk said although the works of Malaysian artists were highly sought after in the international art market, local buyers were quite averse to them.

"It would be sad if a situation arises here, as in China, where the government is forking out millions trying to buy back works of its local artists that are now in the hands of foreign collectors."

This is a strong possibility because many of the artworks of Malaysia's foremost artist, Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, who passed away recently, are in foreign lands.

Farouk said Imcas would include a fair for 100 young artists, who will vie for the top prizes of RM5,000, RM3,000, RM2,000 and seven consolation prizes of RM1,000 in an art competition.
"The artists' works will be for sale. It is a chance to become a beginner collector of reasonably-priced local artworks. This will be good investment as I'm sure every one of these artists will become major names and the value of their works will escalate sharply ."

Contemporary Southeast Asian Art @ New York's Asian Art Week

2009-03-10T03:41:00.010+08:00

Shalini Ganendra Fine Art will be showing contemporary art by established talents from South East Asia during Asia Week 2009 and Asian Contemporary Art Week, New York.

Award winner, Yeoh Kean Thai; photographer, Nirmala Karuppiah; and heritage watercolourist, Chin Kon Yit will be featured.

The exhibition, at the headquarters of the English Speaking Union of the United States, will show from March 12th to May 31, 2009.

For more information, please contact:
ESU 212 818 1200 or stag@tm.net.my
www.shaliniganendra.com
@ 144 East 39th Street, New York, NY
ESU hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm Mon - Fri; 9:30am - 8:00pm Wed

New York Art World Welcomes Asia Week

2009-03-10T02:37:00.008+08:00

The New York art world ushers in Asia Week — an annual event taking place this
week which includes auctions, gallery shows, Asian Contemporary Art Week and the
Arts of Pacific Asia Show.

New York Arts of Pacific Asia, the oldest and biggest Asian Arts show, doing
it's 19th run will present 75 major U.S. and international galleries and dealers
specializing in antique works from all over Asia.

Major auctions are scheduled at Sotheby`s, Christie's, Bonhams and Doyle`s,
with Asian themed shows at Galleries such as Pace Wildenstein around the city.

Due to the current economic slump The International Asian Art Fair started in
1996, established as Asia Week's most important fair which was meant to have
taken place on at New York's Park Avenue Armory, has been canceled. As an
alternative, Asian Art Dealers of The Upper East Side is organizing their
1st Annual Asian Art Exhibition.

Visit Asianart. com for listing of exhibitions and fairs going on during Asia Week.

Art TLC

2009-03-03T04:36:00.002+08:00

Not all artwork is created equal and it doesn't come with a maintenance manual. If you own art in any of its many forms you are the current care taker. So how do you care for it? This question has been a matter for debate since the beginning of time, famous cases: the cleaning of the Sistine Chapel, restoration vs. conservation of Mona Lisa or how Rembrant's Night Watch was changed when cleaned.

Art care is delicate and may be dependent upon different circumstances and conditions such as; How the artwork is created, where it has been previous care or treatment. The more you know about it, the better... Start with your decision to frame and display it.

Framing
When you decide to have framing done it is most often because you have something you wish to display. You may even have a idea of how you want it to look. Acid free materials, UV glazing and hinges on artwork are all important but not always necessary. Colors, size, and style of frame determines how it looks in its surroundings and how well it shows off the piece. Material selection and framing techniques affect lasting qualities and future condition.

When preservation is an important concerns , consider the selection of framing materials and the techniques/treatment used.

A knowledgeable framer will be able to explain the differences between materials, their compatibility with your art and conditions of its display. Materials may differ in composition, resistance to environmental conditions and pH levels, hence they should be individually suited for each piece.

Framing Options and Materials
The materials used to surround your art will also have a direct effect on it. Words like acidic condition, acid burn, acid-free are all used in connection with mat boards and backboards. The condition of acid in these materials is in the changing composition of the material itself and is excellerated by light. Most of these material have a buffering agent to reduce any acidic condition which may occur this makes the materials alkaline. Although, some organic materials may react to high alkaline conditions so the materials need to be of a more neutral pH level.

Mounting
Mounting means adhering the paper to a ridged support most often cardboard. There are several methods and materials used for mounting but the greatest objection to fully mounting art is that it makes it harder to conserve at a later date and may introduce foreign materials onto the original paper that may not be removable. Paper is not a flat medium, it reacts to changes in temperature and humidity, swelling when the humidity is high and shrinking when its low creating waves. To eliminate these changes in paper and to keep it flat it is most often mounted.

Hinging
The alternative to full mounting is hinging the artwork. This type of attachment only effects a small area of you art as light paper strips are attached to small area at the top of the art and the art is allowed to hang free. This also allows it to change with temperature and humidity.

Protecting the surface
Surface protection is important to all artwork, it keeps foreign substances off the surface providing a degree of protection. Surface protection include glaze, glass and acrylic for art on paper, as well as photos. Surface protection is important because air born dust can damage soft or porous surfaces. Glazing in both glass and acrylic will protect art from UV protection, glare, static electricity, weight and breakage. A special material just for the varnishing of pictures can also be used. In most cases it should be applied after the art has been cleaned so as not to trap dust or surface dirt. This is best left to a professional who is experienced with the cleaning and varnishing of art.

Display Conditions
How and where your art is displayed has a direct effect on preservation because environmental elements, light temperature, humidity and pollution all effect condition and longevity. Discuss where you intend to hang your art with your framer when you are designing how it will look and how it will be preserved. Display condition can greatly effect the way your artwork will look and last

Damaged Art
In the unfortunate event that your piece is say damaged in transit and the artist is alive, it's okay to request a touch up (within reason) unless it's water damage. Usually this can be at no cost or at a nominal fee.

Every Day Care & Maintenance
Art like everything else needs care and maintenance, occasional dusting is fine but more thorough cleaning may need to be performed by a trained specialist. If in doubt ask your framer, dealer or artist. Conservation today is directed toward producing favorable conditions for display to combat deterioration. Remember regardless of credentials no single source has all the answers or can perform all treatments. So please do some research.

IBRAHIM HUSSEIN: 1936-2009

2009-02-20T02:21:00.008+08:00

"Art is the most important and unifying force that there is - and that it is a celebration of life that can help nations, races and religions come together as one."
~Ibrahim Hussein~
1936 - 2009

photo by: wazari

Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, known widely as "Ib", died yesterday morning of a heart attack. He was 72.

Ibrahim rose from humble beginnings, from a kampung called Yan, Kedah to reputedly become the most successful and widely collected Malaysian Artist to date.

Ibrahim Hussein is survived by his wife Datin Sim and his daughter Alia.

Read more about Ibrahim Hussein:
International Herald Tribune
Ibrahim Hussein (1936-2009): The Art of Gratitude
wikipedia

Awesome Collaboration

2009-02-12T21:26:00.009+08:00

COUNTERPOINT
RECENT ABSTRACTION

The show featuring the recent works of local abstract greats Tajuddin Ismail, Awang Damit and Canadian Drew Harris which opened last week (better late than never) will be going on until 7th March.

The much anticipated show that has been in the making for almost a decade (when Ismail & Harris first met), won't disappoint abstract fans and collectors.

Check it out at TJ Fine Art, D-8-G Plaza Damas, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6201-4718.

Invest in Art -Reason #3: Capital Appreciation

2009-01-28T04:59:00.003+08:00

Art investment may benefits investors interested in long-term growth at a higher rate than inflation and outperform the stock market (especially in current economic conditions).

This upward trend is rationalized by globalization, rising incomes and increased access to information (equaling better art market transparency), helping to raise demand of art. Supply to this increasing demand has not been fully met due to a falling supply of top quality art that cannot be produced at will.

An added plus for Tax evaders: -Seeking capital gains rather than income? Art can be written-off as an expense.

What is Contemporary Art?

2009-01-02T11:30:00.012+08:00

Contemporary just means art that is being created during our lifetime -i.e.; contemporary to us. Contrary to general perception, Contemporary and Modern art are not the same.

The difference?
Modern Art: Impressionist Art from around 1880 up until 1960-70's.
Contemporary Art: Art from the 60's or 70's 'til now.

There has some overlapping between Contemporary and Modern art at some point, some 30 years ago (your granny will confirm this). 1970 is a fair cut-off point for modern art though, because it was around then that the term "Postmodern" came into being. 1970 was also the last of easily classified artistic movements.

Although, contemporary art has more working artists (making helluva more art). Contemporary artists "movements" cannot be classified. It's hard to classify (on-going) emerging movements, Contemporary art is definitely more socially conscious than any previous era, exploring all kinds of issues from multiculturalism, disease awareness to socio-political commentary as subject matter. Then again, maybe it's just harder to define things these days... sigh!

2008 in Review: Art Makes its Mark

2008-12-27T03:30:00.004+08:00

Round-up of local art scene as reported in NST a week ago:
see original article

Our artists are making a name for themselves overseas even as local art appreciation is growing as evidenced by mushrooming galleries. THE art scene this year saw local artists making their mark internationally.

Artspace Gallery opened in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur in September, showcasing an interesting collection of contemporary art works by Indian artist and film set designer Thota Tharrani.

Thota presented Vivaldi Four Seasons, which is based upon Antonio Vivaldi’s 18th-century concertos of the same name. Vivaldi’s baroque composition was given an interesting “Thota treatment”.

The works of another talented Indian — the Chennai-based mathematician-turned-artist A.V. Ilango — are currently on display at the gallery.Called Utsav 2008, his 21 paintings celebrate life and reflect the triumph of the human spirit.

Malaysian artists, meanwhile, are making waves abroad.Ahmad Zakii Anwar’s depiction of a Buddha fetched a whopping RM213,000 at a Christie’s auction while a work by Jailani Abu Hassan fetched RM196,000. Chang Fee Ming sold a watercolour collage for RM130,000 at a Beijing art fair earlier this year.

In May, a digital art piece called Huminodun by Yee I-Lann, was sold for more than RM100,000 at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.The work is one of Yee’s “Kinabalu series” which explores the eroded spiritual power of a Kadazandusun woman and her shifting relationship to her land. Huminodun is based on the Kadazandusun creation story of a woman creating the earth and padi and thus creating her community.

Ibrahim Hussein and Latiff Mohidin are also among those whose works have been auctioned.

“The local art scene has grown as a result of increased interest and wealth among Malaysians, and more exposure for Malaysian artists in the international arena,” said Shalini Ganendra, the owner of Shalini Ganendra Fine Art gallery in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Eric Peris’ Tin Mine Landscape Series and Yeoh Kean Thai were featured at the Asian Art Week in New York in March. “The show was well received by the international press and visitors to the event,” said Shalini. However, she said the current recession will inevitably effect the local and international art markets.“There will be a cooling-off period with buyers looking for good value while being more selective and cautious.” Added Shalini: “The motto ‘survival of the fittest’ needs to be heeded with the downturn in the market so that the players — both the artists and gallerists — who apply quality, skill, scholarship and commitment to their professions will be brought to the fore.

”Crossing, which is currently exhibited at Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, features works by award-winning artist Yeoh Kean Thai. Yeoh explores the dynamics of geography on objects in new and familiar territories.

Another exhibition which presents the themes that have defined the past year from the perspectives of some of Malaysia’s most provocative artists such as Hamir Soib, K. Azril Ismail, Jeganathan Ramachandran, Juhari Said, Marvin Chan and Noor Azizan Rahman Paiman is being featured at Wei-Ling Gallery in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition, ending on Dec 29, has the artists exploring some of the country’s transformative political events this year.

As for what’s in store next year, a unique collaboration between the film and art world is in the works. Local award-winning filmmaker U-Wei Saari’s films will be interpreted using various art forms and media such as soft sculpture, installations, mixed materials, paintings, etchings and textiles. Called U-Wei’s Cinema Through Visual Art, the project will focus largely on films of his that have influenced other visual arts practitioners including Hamid Shoib, Elias Yamani Ismail, Abu Bakar Idris, Fadhill Idris, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Noor Mahnun Mohamed, Riaz Ahmad Jamil Ahmad, Shia Yin Yiing, Ilsse Noor, Mastura Abdul Rahman and Mansor Haron.

The exhibition will run from March 23 to May 9 in 2010 at the Galeri Petronas in Kuala Lumpur City Centre.Said Shalini: “The art market should be gradually picking up. Once the stock market does better and the economy is stabilised, art markets should follow suit after about six months.”
~By Sharmilla Billot~

Here & Now: 12th-26th December

2008-12-15T15:14:00.004+08:00

Ahmad Shukri - Demi Masa 3
Mixed Media On Canvas, 2008
184cm x 244cm

Pace Gallery is hosting Here and Now, a 2-week long art exhibition featuring recent works of 16 prominent Malaysian artists namely Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Ahmad Shukri, Rajinder Singh, Hamidi Hadi, Yusof Majid, and others.

As a philanthropic platform for the gallery and the artists, part of proceeds from the paintings sale will be given to the Force of Nature Aid Foundation.

Ahmad Zakii Anwar - Robert
Charcoal On Paper, 2008
102cm x 153cm

art around 1 thou$and: Now - 23rd December

2008-12-12T15:18:00.004+08:00

Don't miss the anticipated yearly show at Valentine Willie Fine Art. This time the show is features works of emerging artist like poet Rahmat Haron, Mun Kao, Sri Maryanto & Nona Garcia all going for around US$1000. ~Miss the days when they used to be around RM1000! Guess that's what happens when local galleries go global :(

Rajinder in Melbourne

2008-12-04T19:05:00.000+08:00

If you're in Melbourne this week check out the launch party of Rajinder Singh's first solo exhibition in Australia!

Conspiracy Theorist???

2008-12-04T13:07:00.005+08:00

Interesting follow up in thestar on Whither Malaysian Art article:

Too Much Secrecy for Comfort
ANDREW Sia’s splendid article, Whither Malaysian art? (Arts, StarMag, Nov 23), presented us with a wide selection of opinions about the state of the visual arts and the art market. However there is an underside to the story that might add to your readers’ understanding of this issue.

What I would like to know in the case of artist Jailani Abu Hassan’s painting, (which sold for about RM200,000) is, who put up his painting for sale at the Christie’s auction?

What if this sale was an inside job by a profiteering cartel ~Wow! there's a theory! , where one party puts it up for auction and members of that group bid on it just to push up the price, and hence the profit margin? What if they happen to have a monopoly on the artist’s works?

And why is it always the same few artists’ works from the same few merchants that are popping up at these sales? Why are the works of other artists, which are just as good as any, not in the picture when it comes to promoting Malaysian art here and elsewhere?

The auction houses will not reveal the details of the sellers and buyers, but they will profit from both sides, and this is the standard business practice everywhere.

But the secrecy and non-transparent methods, in part, have led to the present worldwide financial crush.

What sort of artists will emerge from this present system dominated by finance, unfettered by any government or professional regulations?

How will creative minds operate in an increasingly closed market in the hands of a few self-appointed profit minded “gate keepers” of Malaysian art?

Why can’t there be moves to improve the production of art and widen the market place with less self interest but more transparency, and with fair incentives to all parties involved with the aim of serving not just Malaysian art but all Malaysians?

Victor Chin
Petaling Jaya

see original article

£10 Deal @ Christie's

2008-12-02T22:53:00.006+08:00

Christie’s International sold for £10 (RM55) an artwork targeted to fetch £2000 in London last week.

When exasperated auctioneer gestured toward the piece Troika Leaving the Farmstead and asked, “Will anyone give me 10 pounds?”, Nikita Lobanov-Rostovsky a prince, snapped up what he called “the bargain of the century,”. In addition to the hammer price, he paid 3 pounds in commission on the undated ink-on-paper picture by an unidentified Russian artist, one of 117 Russian 19th- and 20th-century artworks. Nikita Lobanov-Rostovsky is one of the most prominent Russian art collectors in Europe.

55% of lots offered sold for a combined £7.9 million Wednesday. The company’s pre-sale low estimate was £14.5 million. The auction was one of the most dismal weeks of Russian-art sales in London in nearly a decade. The nine-year Russian art boom, spurred by billionaires like Viktor Vekselberg, fuelled by record oil and metal prices, is over. Christie’s may lower the estimates at its next Russian art auction in New York next April by up to 20%.

Noteworthy News

2008-12-01T04:02:00.011+08:00

I found this article from thestar.com pretty interesting:-

Whither Malaysian Art
by Andrew Sia
Speculators are investing in Malaysian art as they would in stocks and shares. Works are fetching record prices overseas. And on Wednesday, the gargantuan 2nd International Art Expo Malaysia trade fair begins in Kuala Lumpur. Has Malaysian art arrived?

WHEN a computer-manipulated art work called Huminodun by Malaysian artist Yee I-Lann was sold for RM117,000 at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong in May, it created a stir – the local selling price had been just RM12,000.

At another Christie’s auction last November, two of the hottest stars of the Malaysian visual arts scene also sold works for record prices: Ahmad Zakii Anwar’s depiction of a Buddha fetched some RM213,000 while a piece by Jailani Abu Hassan (aka Jai) nailed RM196,000.

And veteran artist Chang Fee Ming sold his watercolour collage for RM130,000 at a Beijing art fair earlier this year.

Considering how humbly the latter two artists started out in the mid 1980s – Jai was a KL street artist selling sketches while Chang sold his first piece for RM250 – Malaysian art seems to have come quite far.

Then again, it is still nowhere near the stratospheric multi-million US dollar pricing of Chinese and even Indonesian contemporary art.

“The boom began with global interest in Chinese contemporary art,” explains Lim Wei-Ling, owner of Wei-Ling Gallery (weiling-gallery.com) in Kuala Lumpur. “Now there is talk that Malaysian and regional art will benefit from a spill over effect, as it’s still reasonably priced compared with China.”

But while the international market may create a buzz, for Malaysia, the bedrock is still the local market: “All of the museum quality work in Malaysia is being snapped up, mostly by local collectors,” says Lim.

And why not, when investments in art are increasingly seen as relatively recession proof. Lim Meng Hong, who represents Christie’s in Malaysia, notes that many people predicted a dip in the art market during the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, yet quality works maintained or appreciated in value even in those times.

Ng Seksan, a landscape architect (seksan.com) who is an avid art collector, says, “Fifteen years ago when we started collecting there was only a handful of consistent collectors. Today, due to the meteoric rise of art prices, many people are jumping onto the bandwagon.

“In the last two years, speculators have appeared. They buy art as a commodity like tobacco or shares to be sold later at a big profit. But some of them have really gotten hooked onto art and become passionate collectors themselves.”

Art = Thinking
But, say some, art should transcend such mercantile factors – and that is where Malaysia still lags behind.

“Art is not just a commodity to earn foreign exchange,” says Pakhruddin Sulaiman, a corporate lawyer and prominent long-time art collector.

“Rather, it’s about being proud of our culture. Art is one of the highest achievements of the human mind. But it has been associated with dungus (stupid people). Something is very wrong with the education system here.”

Yee explains, “Our education system heavily pushes the science stream while the arts stream is portrayed as a ‘loser’s club’. This highlights our misplaced values, for the arts are all about learning intelligent and critical thinking, and expressing opinions.”

The buzz now is all about “contemporary art” that is perceived to be “deeper” in thinking, more conceptual, as opposed to the pretty water colours of picturesque kampung scenes.

“It’s the sensibility of this restless age,” says Pakhruddin. “That’s why people rate the messy and coarse Picasso over (the finely executed realistic paintings of) Raphael as the world’s top artist.”

For Suherwan Abu, the founder of Taksu Gallery (taksu.com) in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, contemporary art is a serious enterprise, one that he distinguishes from the “commercial art” found in, say, KL’s Central Market.

“It’s not about painting 200 pretty flowers to sell to tourists,” says Suherwan. “There has been a surge of confidence among local artists in the past three years. One trend sees so-called low-brow, almost raw graffiti-like art, now selling in high-end galleries. Take the work of Samsudin Wahab showing two monkeys in (monkey) suits, suggesting how current politics is like a circus while we feel powerless.”

For Pakhruddin, art is an “intellectual product”. He shows me a work, Lintang Pukang (Helter-Skelter), by up-and-coming artist Nadiah Bamadhaj. In it, songkoks seem to emerge from a keris-like groove.

“Does that suggest that Umno is breeding extremist nationalist Malays? Or are the songkoks going in? Which would suggest that the nationalists are being submerged by the practical concerns of Umno,” muses Pakhruddin. All that from one work....

Then there is the incorporation of modern technology. The Australia-based arts writer and curator Gina Fairley recounts that in Selamat Datang ke Malaysia, the first survey of contemporary Malaysian art to be exhibited in Australia (in 2007), artists like Sharon Chin used videos shot on cell phones along with sculpted prayer carpets as part of her installation work.

And the trend of synthesising traditional art with other media is evident with Yee, who, apart from her digitally reworked images, has also been a production designer for movies such as Ho Yuhang’s award-winning indie pic, Rain Dogs (2006), and Dain Said’s Dukun (finished in 2007 but yet to released by its producers).

“Some of the most exciting art is in new media, such as videos, installations, and photography, all of which have significantly less market appeal than paintings on canvas,” says Valentine Willie, the founder of Valentine Willie Fine Art gallery (vwfa.net), one of the local galleries known for featuring cutting edge works and installation art.

“We strive for a balance between what we obviously can sell and those less so,” says Willie.

National Importance
For the Malaysian visual arts industry to move forward, it needs buyers who look beyond that “mercantile factor” to lend financial support. And such support usually has to come from the public sector.

But Pakhruddin feels that our public art institutions, especially the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara), have been “in a slumber” for the past 15 years.

Willie simply says that we should “revamp the cultural institutions with professionals, and put people with knowledge and passion in charge”.

Adds Pakhruddin, “The Balai is on the periphery of our artistic life. In contrast, Galeri Petronas (www.galeripetronas.com.my) has taken criticism very constructively and revamped itself in the past two years to showcase contemporary Malaysian art.”

The Balai’s loss has been the gain of discerning private collectors like him, though.

“About 10 years back, I was paying between RM4,000 and RM8,000 for works by Bayu (Utomo Radjikin), Zakii, and Jai. They are now worth about 10 times the price,” says Pakhruddin, adding that the current auction boom is pushing prices even higher.

This substantial appreciation makes it difficult for the National Art Gallery to belatedly chase after those works. In contrast, Singapore is positioning itself as the arts hub of South-East Asia, notes Pakhruddin.

The irony is that Singapore was once maligned as a “cultural desert” obsessed merely with economic growth. But even those dry and pragmatic folk have realised the importance of art.

Pakhruddin observes that the Singapore Arts Museum has had the foresight to collect many important Malaysian artists’ works, and it has been doing so since the mid-1990s.

“For instance, they used some of Zakii’s best pieces, including his series on Balinese dancers, to promote themselves as the regional centre of art!” he smiles.

Is it good that they have used “our” cultural heritage to promote themselves, just as Singapore Airlines uses the sarong kebaya as its stewardesses’ uniforms?

“I used to have that so-called patriotic feeling, that Malaysian art should remain in Malaysian hands,” says Pakhruddin. “But later I became more open minded. And if Singapore is doing a better job than we are at promoting Malaysian art, well and good.”

Willie believes that the Malaysian market is “too small” to have any significant impact on prices: “So, inevitably, artists need to venture beyond their comfort zones and address a wider audience,” he says.

Willie, in fact, has opened galleries in Indonesia and, recently, in Singapore; and another in Manila seems to be in the pipeline.

Ng (Seksan) believes that Malaysia should set up a National Arts Council (Singapore has one) with a lot of money to promote our artists and their works.

“The Council should sponsor them and their representative galleries at international art fairs and exhibitions. Or sponsor pavilions at the (world renowned) Venice Biennale (biennial) to showcase Malaysian artists.”

At the same time, the Malaysian public could use further exposure to the arts and “big to not-so-big” foreign art shows on everything from Monet to Damien Hurst to Indonesia’s Affandi should be brought in.

“And, please, let there be no cronyism and corruption in the decision-making process,” he quips.

Cultural Pride
Lim of Christie’s says that Malaysian artists are generally under-valued compared to Indonesian and Filipino artists.

Apart from money, of course, there is the cultural richness of other Asean countries.

“Historically, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand had many aristocrats collecting art, and that helped their arts scenes to flourish. I hardly see any of our tokoh korprat (corporate titans) doing the same,” says Pakhruddin.

Artist Ivan Lam comments that Indonesia, for instance, has a rich, deep, and ancient culture of great diversity: “We can see how in Bali art is cultivated from young. In Malaysia, we cultivate more materialistic things,” he points out.

Adds Ng, “Indonesia and Thailand are naturally more cultured just by the mere fact that they have a longer, deeper history than Malaysia or Singapore. Which then naturally translates into a greater sense of ownership of their arts.”

This is where patriotism about art comes in.

“We actually had a head start as the Balai was established by Tunku Abdul Rahman back in 1958. But then we lost our way,” reflects Pakhruddin.

Part of the problem is that the Malaysian political and corporate elite does not really appreciate art. He remembers that Government bodies and Government-linked corporations such as Bank Negara, Malaysia Airlines, Maybank, and Tenaga Nasional used to play a key role in collecting (and hence, promoting) Malaysian art.

“This was before the first recession of the mid-1980s. CEOs used to be more enlightened and culturally aware,” he notes.

“If (Tun) Dr Mahathir had just said, ‘Okay, go and collect art’, all these companies would have. But he was not interested in art.

“In the past 20 years we have seen a rapid transformation of Malaysia’s physical urban landscape, in buildings and highways. But what do we have to show for our human and cultural development?”

Ng adds, “Imagine if the Malaysian arts had been promoted with the same fervour as the Proton Saga or Putrajaya projects. Even if we might not be as rich, at least we would be a bit more cultured.”

Ng might have been glad, then, to hear what International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had to say at the Nov 11 launch of the 2nd International Art Expo Malaysia: that he is aware that local artists’ potential economic contribution is under-estimated. He also said that local artists will be joining trade and investment missions next year.

Art as Lifestyle
While the corporations and Government may have been less than energetic in pushing Malaysian art to date, our rising middle classes have taken up the baton.

“People have become more educated and are taking art more seriously. It’s also become a serious business for investors,” says Lam.

Artist Chang Fee Ming notes that tastes have broadened in recent years: “There are many younger people nowadays who make good money and are starting to buy different genres of art. The young have a different way of seeing things. Even cartoon-style paintings can be art.”

Wei-Ling Gallery’s Lim believes that the Malaysian art scene has really improved, as the collectors are better able to appreciate and understand what artists are trying to say: “It’s not just about painting pretty pictures or buying a painting to match the sofa anymore,” she quips.

And Pakhruddin sees more middle class Malaysians buying art in recent years.

“After the nice car and house, then comes art. No more cheap posters. It’s becoming a lifestyle thing. One cannot be seen to have truly arrived unless you have original art prominently displayed in your home.”

And the upper middle classes don’t feel the pinch, as it’s often part of house renovations.

“A RM100,000 package is not much to renovate a home. The interior design people will include RM20,000 for a good local art work,” he explains.

Taksu Gallery’s Suherwan says that contemporary art goes well with current architectural and interior design trends that have a simple, clean even minimalistic look: “The art really stands out. The art is the primary thing, and the furnishings are designed around it.”

Ng, whose work is about creating beautiful outdoor environments, says that “lifestyle/status symbol, “interior design”, and “corporate/social image” are all “valid entry points” into the arts.

“However, what is more important is that the people who buy art for those reasons will eventually move on to something deeper.”

Money Rules?
While rising Malaysian prosperity and more refined tastes have given a gradual push to Malaysian art, it is now international auction buyers that are really driving up prices.

“A Jai (Jailani Abu Hassan) piece typically sells for RM35,000 to RM50,000 locally. Suddenly, it shoots up to RM196,000 at Christie’s,” comments Pakhruddin. “I wonder if this is due to ‘hot money’ from speculative buying. The bubble may burst.”

Gallery owner Willie’s opinion? “Pricing art is an inexact science at best. At worst, it’s just a gut feeling. Also, like the prices of other things, it’s a function of supply and demand. And like the stock market, it’s susceptible to hype, especially in a field with so few players.”

He observes that regional art prices only shot up at the Sotheby’s April 2007 auction in Singapore, while before that his gallery would “at most” increase prices for an artist’s works by between 10% and 15% in every subsequent exhibition.

Pakhruddin fears that money may dictate how Malaysian art should evolve – and that does not bode well.

“Somebody with financial muscle, as opposed to curators’ scholarship or genuine long term art collectors, may end up determining what is good art,” he laments.

“Artists should not make art for the market,” stresses Wei-Ling Gallery’s Lim. “They should make it for their own artistic vision, and then the market will follow them. And it’s the job of a gallery to support that artist’s journey.”

She notes that some galleries give “suggestions” to artists on how to create works that follow “hot” trends. Yet, she points out, this “selling out” may result in an artist becoming stagnant as he or she keeps reproducing a “winning formula”.

Lam describes it thus: “Some artists think, ‘I have a signature style so why rock the boat?’ They keep milking the cash cow, they sell until they cannot sell, until the collectors are tired of it, and then everything burns out. Like rock music, you may be the flavour of the month now but you need constant reinvention.

“It’s not right to gauge art by the prices. Sometimes it’s just not the artist’s time, as people are not into his type of work. For example, Van Gogh was not appreciated during his lifetime.”

Future Glory
High prices driven by foreign collectors may add some glamour, but it does not mean true cultural success.

Artist Yee I-Lann feels there are still crucial shortfalls, especially in the “severe lack” of critical art writing, and thoughtful curating: “Without these, our great works kind of float about. This is a kind of ‘death’ to art.”

Pakhruddin adds, “If a new collector has RM20,000 to spend, he will read up to see what to buy. We have many good art works. But exhibitions come and go. It requires writing up in catalogues, books, and newspapers to illuminate these works. Otherwise, the works will be virtually lost.

“As art becomes a seriously expensive business, there is a need for writers of integrity who will not make idle claims, as catalogues become like a company’s ‘prospectus’ inviting the public to invest in the art works.

Most of all, art appreciation is still lacking. Pakhruddin believes that this needs to be cultivated in schools; Ng adds that the Government and corporations could sponsor artists to conduct art programmes in schools, such as those that the art collective Rumah Air Panas carries out on its own initiative.

Another avenue is through public art – “In Singapore, we see so many good public sculptures around,” points out Pakhruddin.

Ng suggests that property developers could commission large outdoor public artworks as an alternative to “high maintenance and energy chomping” water features. The Government could also pass laws requiring private property developers to contribute 1% (of profits) to create public art in towns and cities.

“And please stop censoring and let the public decide what is acceptable or not,” he adds.

“Local corporations should buy good local art to fill their walls. All new (big) hotels should be encouraged by the approving local authorities to use local artists’ works rather than some substandard foreign artist’s works.”

Artist Sharon Chin once said at a National Art Gallery forum that the true value of an arts industry is to understand its social importance, how we value culture, and what we can learn about ourselves. Yee agrees: “The greatest value of our art is not just monetary. We have not ‘arrived’ on the international stage yet, as we generally still don’t appreciate our own art.” -or any art for that matter!

See Original Article

WHAT IS ART

2008-11-25T14:26:00.004+08:00

During my years at chelsea school of art my tutor once said to me "without question, there would be no art." Do we have to question what we are looking at for something to be in the 'art' category? Or is experiencing for oneself the instant aesthetic appeal of an object hanging or sitting in a neutral space, ie: a gallery enough to render it as art?

Art Facts & Figures

2008-11-24T02:30:00.004+08:00

Total global revenue from Contemporary Art sales over the July 2007-June 2008 amounted to € 980m, up 50% on the previous year, with almost the same volume of transactions according to Artprice, a Paris-based art market index. More than a third of these figures were attributed to the Chinese/Asian art markets.

Ahmad Zakii Anwar made it to the top 500 contemporary artists list published in that same index.

Invest in Art -Reason #2 (or not): Speculation

2008-11-23T05:00:00.003+08:00

"Like the share market, many factors can affect the price of an investment: a retrospective exhibition, biography, major art prize and death (which caps the stock available) inflate an artist's prices, while auction or gallery disappointments deflate them. So too does a general perception that prices have gone too far too fast or the work has become formulaic."
-David Tribe, Sun Herald

Art returns have been proven to be more in boom times and lower in crashes according to experts at Yale. Fortunately for speculative art investors, delay of up to 2 years can be possible based on the late 80's market crash, when Sotheby's and Christies achieved record prices. The market only crashed at the beginning of the 90's and paintings by art stars Sandro Chia, Julian Schnabel and Enzo Cucchi became unsellable. And that's another story for another day.

Conditions
Bullish stock markets, low interest rates, growing investors wealth and confidence are conditions in which speculation thrives. Recently art speculation has been boosted by increasing availability of comprehensive information from the media and internet followed by transparency which is positively helping to define art as the new kid on the asset block.

Proceed with Caution...
Note that the art market like most fixed assets are not liquid compared to equities due to lower turnover rates and subjective pricing. Art also has no income streams, are unregulated, difficult to compare and are susceptible to fads. In addition, necessary agent commissions may be high and tend to offset short term gains. A certain amount of holding power is required.

Although there are some hit and run success stories, speculative art investment should be avoided by novices, because most people who who make money, have not made it by purchasing art as short term investments. The key elements to a strong art investment portfolio is not unlike any other; -knowledge, quality and diversification, the bonus will be getting to enjoy its beauty.

Sotheby's Art Courses

2008-11-23T03:50:00.003+08:00

Sotheby’s Institute of Art - Singapore will be organizing overseas trips to major art centres, exhibitions, museums and collections in Asia. These visits are held in conjunction with the Master’s degree programmes in Art Business and Contemporary Art, and participants are taught alongside full-time international students.

Led by art experts from the region, each trip exposes the participants to the experience of art and objects in their historical context as well as provides an insight to the development of art in the region. Scheduled to coincide with key events and festivals, participants visit the major art centres in Asia, attend special talks by gallery directors, dealers and art professionals.

Schedule:
• Indonesia: Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bandung:
Travel dates: 12-17 January 2009

• India: Mumbai
Travel dates: 2-6 February 2009
(to coincide with the Mumbai Arts Festival)

• USA: New York
Travel dates: 2-6 February 2009
(to coincide with the Mumbai Arts Festival)
Travel dates: March 2009
(to coincide with The Armory Show)

Fees
The fee for all courses is SGD 4,500 (inclusive of GST). The fee covers all lectures, local transport, some meals, and admission to art galleries, events and museums. Participants are required to pay for their own airfare and accommodation. Discount 50% for 2nd person.

Source: Sotheby's Institute, Singapore

The 2nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008

2008-11-19T12:35:00.009+08:00

Art Galore

The 2nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008 at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC) in Kuala Lumpur which promises to be bigger and better yet is on next week (26-30th November, 2008). And best of all, admission is free!

This year's expo, is expected to host galleries and artists from more than 20 countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Spain, Hungary, Iran, Britain, France, Ireland,Macedonia and South America.

The Malaysian galleries participating this year include Galeri Tangsi Contemporary Art, artseni Gallery and EDI.A Art Gallery, ArtCase Galleries, Kai Boon Art Gallery, Pelita Hati House of Art, The Art Commune, City Art Gallery, Yahong Gallery, Peter Liew Atelier, Ido Gallery, Kim Hai Shih Wen Gallery, Zhan Gallery, Simon Tan Art Gallery, Art & Art Gallery, PY Art Workshop, Chong Gallery, FongYongKong.com, The Art Room, Gallery Nayantara, G&G Arts, CHT Network and Miao Da Art Centre.

Some of the exciting highlights of this year's Expo include a blockbuster art charity auction, Living Art Legend Tribute to 79 year-old Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal , a Zao Wou Ki Special, a Koi painting world record bid and a special booth featuring the art of the gifted and disabled.

T.V.I.M. -Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia

2008-11-18T00:16:00.001+08:00

Chatchawan Rodklongtan

Abu Zaki Hadri

Organized by the artist group Seringgit and held at Jogja Gallery, a major exhibition of works of art originating from countries in Southeast Asia introduced Indonesia to it's neighbours through visual art. The aim of the exhibition was to connect young artists from each participating country and help develop contemporary art and strengthen ties within the region.

The main works featured were oil and acrylic paintings on canvas. Modernist aesthetics seemed to be the dominant theme, while issues from personality, society, politics, to religious matters were explored in the works. It was interesting to get a glimpse of various public discourses relevant to the different countries from this archipelago.

According to the organizers, the choice of Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia was, a conscious because it reflects the current strongholds of contemporary Southeast Asian art. (Thanks for the of validation!)

Artists: Anggar Prasetya, Laksmi Sitharesmi, I Wayan Cahya, Jono, Hardiana, Buniyal Abroru, Valentinus Rommy, Eddy Sulistyo, Kukuh Nuswantoro, Hadi Soesanto, Nurkholis, Ekasit Jirattikanon, Chatchawan Rodklongtan, Tanasade Silaapiwon, Jack Ting, Abu Zaki Hadri, Bee Ng, Muichii Ting, Ngoc Phuong Nguyen, Tran Cuong Nguyen, Thanh Son Nguyen, Tinh Do Xuan, Xuan Tiep Nguyen, Anh Tuan Dang

Rogue Art Debuts with Zakii Sell Out Show

2008-11-17T11:11:00.005+08:00

Art it girls; Beverly Yong, Rachel Ng and Adeline Ooi have left Valentine Willie and taken their skills, contacts and experience in Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art to form RogueArt, an art consultancy group specialising in the creative, strategic and organisational management of art projects, exhibitions, collections and publications.

Rogue Art's anticipated maiden show was no let-down... Gimme Shelter, a special (pre-sold at RM12K a piece!) fundraising exhibition featured twelve portrait drawings by the renowned Johore-born Ahmad Zakii Anwar organized in aid of Intan LIfe Zone Welfare Society in Johor Bahru. Full proceeds from the sale went to building an after-care centre for former residents to provide basic skills training and support to help residents re-integrate into society. Ahmad Zakii Anwar is the co-founder and head of this welfare society.

The exhibition featured works in charcoal on paper, portraying residents currently undergoing Life Zone’s shelter programme.

-I think the girls will do very well on their own.

Fine Art Prints

2008-11-11T07:19:00.035+08:00

Eng Tay
Beloved - Etching, Edition 175

For many collectors, especially those new to the art market or who do not want to spend a lot of money access original art by purchasing prints. One cannot argue that much of its appeal is in the price tag.

Artists may use one or a combination of many processes, from lithography to collography. These procedures are complex and are constantly refined. Regardless, a fine-art print have these characteristics; originally created for prints, not copied from work in another medium, artist's hands-on involvement, are in limited editions and usually accompanied by written documentation. ~Although some hardcore collectors insist that "they're a rubbish waste of time"~
Regardless, it is a great entry point into the art market. And, No! -Reproductions do not count as fine art prints.

Two of the most common and distinct print formats are etchings and engravings. These intaglio (Italian for cut in) processes draw out ink from the indent of plates using damp sheets of paper. The process can be repeated typically for several hundred impressions. The difference between the two methods is how the plates are made.

Engraving
In engraving, lines in the plate are cut with special tools. The engraved plate is inked all over, then excess ink is wiped off the surface, leaving only ink in the engraved lines when transfered to paper. Antique engraved prints are popular antiques to collect. Most modern day artists prefer etching.

Etching
A metal plate (usually copper) is covered with wax and drawn on with an etching needle. This process is more like drawing than engraving. The exposed areas are then ‘etched’ into, by acid to hold ink for printing. Rembrandt with his 300 plates was one of the greatest of etchers. Notably famous Malaysian etcher:-Eng Tay.

The Starving Artist Debate

2008-11-06T03:37:00.004+08:00

"There is an old-fashioned bohemian notion that truly pure artists must struggle for their self-sufficient vision without having to depend on commercial enterprises like awards, exhibitions and commissions. But these events have their purpose.

They provide a structure through which the art public - in particular collectors - can partake in the recognition and support of deserving talent. And if they're lucky, collectors may have the pleasure of acquiring works by such talent still emerging, before it becomes beyond the reach of all but the most elite wealthy. "

Barry Pearce
Head Curator, Australian Art
Art Gallery of New South Wales

Who is anybody to say what's good or bad art right?
-Wrong! I guess, according to this guy.

Invest in Art -Reason #1: Diversify Investments

2008-11-04T04:22:00.014+08:00

In the current economic downturn, investors are turning to alternative investments such as art, because equities and property are seen to be over-valued. Quality art survives economic downturns because the value never goes down to zero (unless damaged), compared to most other investments and prices bounce-back quicker after crashes than most equities. Investing in art reduces exposure risk as part of an investment portfolio especially in volatile markets. Although careful evaluation of an artist's potential and the credentials of the gallery or dealer are musts. At the minimum, research, cross-check and verify rates from multiple sources.

Art market investments have in fact outperformed the S&P500 and more conservative investments in the long-term according to Finance professors Jiangping Mei and Michael Moses' (from the Stern School of Business at NYU) extensive research of paintings sold at auction over a 50 year period (vs. US stock market prices). The Mei/Moses Fine Art Index, comprised of 8,000 pieces of art auctioned by Sotheby’s and Christie’s since 1950.

Beware though that art is less liquid (average 10 years holding) compared to equities so it should be viewed as a long term investment except in rare cases when an artist is retiring or is soon to be deceased. Therefore it should be viewed as a long term investment.

"Unlike companies, the trouble with blue-chip art is you can't buy bits of it. But you can still do well buying lesser named artists at suburban and regional auctions, fairs, op-shops and garage sales. And there's also up-and-coming art at small primary galleries."
-David Tribe, Sun Herald

What's Art?

2008-11-02T06:03:00.007+08:00

An ordinary folk's thoughts on the Malaysian Art Scene...

"I have been interested in arts ( I am talking only about paintings here - sculptures and the rest of it has yet to attract my interest) since the days in university when I was on constant look out for past masters' cheap reproduction. As many of us know, as a student, I did not have the means to get the best of them and had to settled for prints and the kind.

As I started working all the struggles were for the normal things that many young people would aspire for e.g house, cars and the immediate family needs. The interest in arts has taken a back seat. Recently I have taken back into paintings though I am more interested in the works of our fellow countrymen (I still buy some cheap oil painting reproduction of the past masters' imported from China at a reasonable price). I like some of the works and frequently visited many of the mushrooming art galleries in Kuala Lumpur. Much to my chagrin, however, I find myself being outpriced again."

I am just wondering whether art works are meant for the super rich or is it intended for the masses? I am of the opinion that Malaysian artists have unintentionally directed their market to the super rich. Let's face it, I am not in the position to splash out RM 5K - 10 K for an oil painting just so I could decorate my living room with, there's alot of other prints and whatnots that could make my living room look just as nice. I just want to be able to enjoy the work (I am an amateur artist that paints for himself for the sheer joy of the experience). I know that these professional artist are trying to make a living but a good business person would definitely want to expand their market and get more volume than just several pieces a month being sold. I know that corporate clientele would not flinch at RM 5K per piece of work but just imagine how much work they could sell if the prices are reasonable and within reach of the masses?

The case is strikingly similar to the issues of our artists of different nature aka singers and film producers. If they make it more reasonable for the massess to buy original CDs & DVDs then people would definitely choose quality over cheap pirated products that once was so pervasive in our culture and I bet still is despite many efforts from the authority.

The local arts scene seems to be only the playground for the rich and famous here in our country. I really wish it is part of the culture of common people like me who has the interest but not the means to be part of it. " -(Don't we all?)
-Blogger, Dhani

click for original post

Portrait : Jalaini Abu Hassan @ Jai

2008-10-29T01:27:00.016+08:00

Undi Kami
mixed media on canvas
Hammer Price: HK$100,000 @ Christie's 2008

Jalaini Abu Hassan or “Jai” was born in Selangor in 1963. With a father in the British army, he spent his childhood moving around army bases in the country. He graduated from UiTM in 1985, and went on to study at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and later the Pratt Institute in New York under scholarships. Since returning home in 1995, he has built a career as an educator, at UiTM for over ten years, and is also an established artist.

Jai is now famous among fellow artists, collectors and the art-loving public and his star is rising fast; especially on the local front. His provocative and maybe even controversial work features strong social messages of change, struggle and survival. Using a wide range of materials, Jai is well known for his use of bitumen and charcoal to express his powerful work.

Besides malaysia, Jai has exhibited in Singapore, the USA, the UK and also in Spain and Iraq. Some of the noted exhibitions he has participated in include 12 ASEAN Artists (2002) and Malaysian Art NOW (2004) at the National Art Gallery, and Melbourne Art Fair 2006. And has recently done well at international auctions (christie's 2007). His painting, "Halal" fetched a record hammer price of HKD320,000 at Christie's Southeast Asian art auction in Hong Kong last November.

His works are in the collection of the National Art Gallery in Malaysia, and in private, corporate and gallery collections around the world.

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2008 Chanang, Borobudur Auction House. Jakarta
2006 Berlacu Berdepa, Berlagu Berupa, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
2005 Wet Paint, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
2004 Mantera, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
2003 Work In Progress, Gallery Taksu, Jakarta

Selected Group Exhibitions
2007 Headlights, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
2005 Rado & Art, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Spirit of Wood and other Treasures, Gallery Taksu, Kuala Lumpur
2004 My Darling Muse, Darling Muse Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
2004 Art Singapore 2004, Suntec City and Convention Centre, Singapore
2003 Grand Opening, Gallery Taksu, Jakarta, Indonesia
Art +/- 1000, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Singapore: Prime Locations at Lower Rent for Private Museum & Art Facilities

2008-10-28T20:39:00.000+08:00

A total of three State properties in prime sites will be made available at lower rent to art collectors who are interested to open private museums through a Request-for-Interest exercise by The National Heritage Board (NHB) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

The properties at 222 Queen Street, 27A and 27B Loewen Road will complement existing museum and art facilities to help make Singapore the arts and tourism hub of the region. The three properties have fixed rents below commercial rates ranging between S$5,159(406.2sqm) - S$42,516(5,248.9sqm) renewable for up to 9 years. Each building is allowed to use up to 20 percent of the space for retail or dining.

Contact for details: Joanna Han at +65 6332 4419 or joanna_han@nhb.gov.sg
The submission form is available at: http://www.nhb.gov.sg/aim

Application closes: November 15, 2008.

Ahmad Fuad Osman -ABPF Signature Art Juror's Prize

2008-10-25T13:20:00.031+08:00

Recollections of Long Lost Memories
Ahmad Fuad Osman

39 year-old Ahmad Fuad Osman, founder of the Matahati group of artists received the Juror’s Choice Award at the inaugural Asia Pacific Breweries (ABP) Foundation Signature Art Prize of S$10,000 last week for prints titled Recollections of Long Lost Memories. ~They kinda remind me of Where's Waldo but grown-up~

Ahmad Fuad, was among the top 10 finalists for the awards organised by the APB Foundation and Singapore Art Museum (SAM), whose work had been shortlisted as one of the 34 nominated from 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The other shortlisted artists were from Cambodia, China, India, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Yee I-Lann and Noor Azizan Rahman Paiman were also nominated. The 10 shortlisted works are on view at the Singapore Art Museum until Nov. 16.

The Challenger
Noor Azizan Rahman Paiman

Kerbau
Yee I-Lann

Picture Source: -APBF Signature Art Prize website

Portrait : Billy Tan

2008-10-25T03:09:00.009+08:00

Original Uncanny X-Men #476 Cover
US$2,000.00 at www.billytanart.com

I'm always ecstatic when I hear that Malaysians are doing well overseas especially if they're artists. I used to be a total comic-nerd so I was super excited when I found that hot & rising Marvel artist Billy Tan who's done Uncanny X-Men (Uncanny X-Men!!!) is a fellow Malaysian... And even better news; you can buy his work from his website starting from US$75, hoard it for 5 years, then auction it on ebay for a ga-million! OK so maybe I'm still a comic-nerd (just a little).

BIO
Billy Tan was born(1970) and raised in Penang, Malaysia. He moved to the United States in 1989 to study business at the University of Kentucky.

He did his first comics work for Top Cow Productions. Among his credits are titles like 'Codename: Stryke Force', '21', 'Tales of Witchblade', 'Spirit of the Tao', 'Tomb Raider', 'Inferno' and 'Witchblade Obakemono'. Over at Marvel, he had a regular run on 'X-23' with Craig Kyle and 'Marvel Knights Spider-Man'. Besides drawing comics, he also freelances in illustration, design and storyboards.

He began working as a penciler for Image Comics in the early 1990. Tan became the regular artist of Marvel's Uncanny X-Men in 2006. In 2008, he was invited to draw New Avengers issues #41 and 43-44, before being offered to replace Lenil Francis Yu as the new regular artist on the title.

Portrait : Rajinder Singh

2008-10-25T01:04:00.020+08:00

The Shabbiness of Certainty

"I invite my audience to view my paintings through a sieve – a sieve made of mathematical objects that pack a substantial amount of information on the way we might view beauty.

I invite my viewers to engage not analytically, neither synthetically, but in a way that combines both modes and feel/intuit the correspondence in the aesthetics of the combined beauty of my mathematics and the underlying beauty of my faces.

But most of all I want my audience to evaluate mathematics and its place in our lives. Is mathematics something necessary for life as “art” and not just “fact” and does its value lie in, as Polkinghorne said, as an 'abstract key which turns the lock of the physical universe', or is it the most self-flattering, self-aggrandizing trivia game ever invented?"
-Rajinder Singh

Aged Wisdom

Rajinder Singh born in Ipoh in 1964, was recently selected as one of 20 emerging artists to represent Asia by a juried competition in Hong Kong. He also recently become the first South East Asian artist to be invited to the famous Mourlot studios (now IDEM) in Montparnasse, Paris to make two lithographs of his work for a private collection. To date he has had shows in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris and Argentina. He will be showing in London, India, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Korea and New York later this year.

Major patrons of the artist are Farouk Khan, Baron Gonzalve Bich (of BIC conglomerate) and Franck Duboeuf (of George Duboeuf wines. He is represented by PACE gallery in PJ.~Now you know which gallery Yusof owns!~ Rajinder who has lived in United Kingdom for most of his life now lives and works in Singapore was tutored by a veteran English abstract expressionist, James Holdsworth, in 2002.

Rajinder’s extensive background in Mathematics is the driving force behind his successful art practice. His work has seen worldwide acclaim and has been described as modern and carries a message of change. Rajinder is the artist ambassador for the superpremium wine from Tuscany, Capannelle and his art is promoted by art agents internationally.

He also hosts a popular Singapore art blog with running commentary on the Southeast Asia art scene and was the unofficial site for the Singapore Biennale 2006.

Solo Exhibitions
June 25th, 2008, " Number-Trance-Face", PACE Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
May 27th, 2008, " Number-Trance-Face", Hong Kong Expo Centre, Hong Kong
March 29th, 2008," Number-Trance-Face", O.Fournier Galleries, Argentina
Dec 11th,2007, "Faces 2008", Calender launch, The Universal, Singapore
Nov 11th, 2007, “Faces”, Tower Club, Singapore
July 11th 2007, "Faces", ArtSpace@The Universal, Singapore
June 20th 2007, "Faces", Cellar Galleries@Chateau De Taillan, Bordeaux, France
April 18th 2007, "source_code", Darling Muse Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Dec 9th 2005, "I coME from over tHERE", PPH Public Art Space, Singapore
Aug 2005, "I can SMELL your BAD breath", Merbau Gallery, Singapore
April 2005, "Anthro", Anthropology Gallery, Singapore
Jan 2005, "Gridlocked", Block43 Art Gallery, Singapore

Group exhibitions
August 22nd 2008, "PACE Anniversary Show", PACE Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

June 14th 2008, " Singapore Street Arts Festival", Clarke Quay, Singapore

Oct 10th 2007, “ Shanghai Seduction”, Auction, Grand Shanghai, Singapore

August 22nd 2007
"Pace Gallery: The Opening", group exhibition of paintings with Ahmad Zaki Anwar, Jaliani Abu Hassan, Yusof Majid, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Ivan Lam, Dr Rajinder Singh, Aswad Ameir, Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Umibaizurah Mahir Ismail, Daud Rahim, Ernesto Pujazon, Hamir Shoaib, Nelson Dominquez, joel couloigner, PACE Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

July 18th 2007, "Aceh Livelihood Project" , Auction, UE Square, Singapore

June 4th 2007, "What else is there?", with Disney animator Chris Shaw, Royal Plaza on Scott, Art Space, Singapore

Aug 22nd 2006, "Symbiosis" ,group Exhibition with Artists Donna Ong and Chng Nai Wee- Marina galleries, Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore

Oct 2005, "A prettier picture" , Auction, Your Mother's Gallery, Singapore

July 2005, "Racial Harmony", Bradell Heights CC Art Room, Singapore

April 2005, "Project Relief" , Auction, Seton Close Residences, Singapore

March 2005, "Chip Bee Artist Boheme", Michi Gallery, Singapore

Feb 2005, "Cotton Tree" , Auction , Cotton Tree, Singapore

November 2004, "Batch No 3" , Block 43 Art Gallery, Singapore

June 2004, "Singapore Art Festival 2004 "Vision and Illusion- Reconstruction of a city" , St James Power Station, Singapore

May 2004, "Malcolm` s Chicken" , Block 43 Art Gallery, Singapore

Nov 2003, "Nascent: Beginning to be" , Block 43 Art Gallery, Singapore

Residencies
IDEM ( former Mourlot Studios), Paris, France - july 2008 - three lithographs on plate & stone

Bi-anal???

2008-10-21T04:34:00.009+08:00

The commonly mis-pronounced term Biennale (pronounced as Bian-nah-lay) is commonly used in the context of major repeating art exhibitions.

Biennale means "every other year" in Italian is commonly used within the art world to describe an international exhibition event of contemporary art probably because the first ever International Art Exhibition in history was the Venice Biennale.

Major biennales close to our side of the globe are:

Singapore Biennale
11 September - 16 November 2008

Taipei Biennial
13 September 2008 - 1 January 2009

Gwangju Biennale
5 September - 9 November 9 2008

Yokohama Triennale
13 September - 30 November 2008

Shanghai Biennale
9 September - 16November 2008

Biennale of Sydney
Just Over

Interesting to note that almost all of them are going on right now!

Catching Up

2008-10-20T00:37:00.007+08:00

YEE I-LANN
Kinabalu Series: Huminodun
Picture Source -Christie's

When it comes to Southeast Asian art at international auctions, Malaysian works seem to lag behind those of Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. But recent auction figures at three major sales in Hong Kong -- i.e. Sotheby’s in April 2008 as well as Christie’s in Nov 2007 and May 2008 -- suggest that contemporary Malaysian art is catching up.

Examples of Malaysian artists whose works sold relatively well, included:

· Ahmad Zakii Anwar (HK$427,400 / RM179,891; Nov 2007)

· Latiff Mohidin (HK$391,500 / RM164,781; Nov 2007)

· Jailani Abu Hassan (HK$391,500 / RM164,781; Nov 2007)

· Yee I-Lann (HK$295,500 / RM124,170; May 2008)

· Chang Fee Ming (HK$137,500 / RM57,850; Nov 2007)

· Ivan Lam (HK$125,000 / RM52,524; May 2008)

But such Malaysian works are “cheap” compared to contemporary works by other regional artists, as shown below. However, works by top Malaysian artists like Latiff Mohidin and Datuk Ibrahim Hussein sell at a much higher price domestically than at international auctions, as yet.

Source -Southeast Asian Art At Auctions by Johnni Wong, The Star Online

IVAN LAM
3 Buses
Picture Source -artlease

Singapore Biennale 2008 Throws Us a Bone

2008-10-19T13:52:00.032+08:00

Malaysian Artists at Singapore Biennale 2008

Beyond Recognition

Nadiah Bamadhaj, 2006

Click here to see highlights from Bamadhaj's Single Channel video installation of scenery with words from Joseph Conrad's The Lagoon appearing to be slowly carved onto the landscape.

Excellence, Glory, Distinction
Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang
Liew Kung Yu, 2008

The proportion of regional art to the rest of the world stands at around 30... says Ngui. Doing the math one discovers that Ngui is correct, but because a good portion of the Southeast Asian quota is filled by Singapore artists, the section does not go far into giving viewers a balanced picture of Southeast Asia's creative wealth and breadth. This is an opportunity wasted, especially since though there are other similar art events in asia, the Singapore Biennale is the regions's most internationally-promoted and biggest.
- Iola Lenzi, Wonder: Is it Art or Commerce, C Arts Magazine -Volume 5

The 2nd Singapore Biennale, an international contemporary visual arts event, organised by the National Arts Council, is going on now until 16 November 2008 at City Hall and South Beach Development. Led by Artistic Director Fumio Nanjo and curators Joselina Cruz and Matthew Ngui, the Biennale features 137 artworks by 66 artists and art collectives from over 36 countries and regions including Malaysia.

The artist list include Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Deborah Kelly, Isak Berbic, Hans Op de Beeck, Anthony McCall, Isaac Montoya, Faisal Samra, Fujiko Nakaya, Ki-bong Rhee, and Felice Varini, to Southeast Asia and Singapore, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Heman Chong, Shubigi Rao, Tang Ling Nah, Willy Koh and Sherman Ong.

Singapore Regional art makes up about 30% so we're oh so grateful 2 of ours, namely Liew Kung Yu and Nadiah Bamadhaj made the cut. Not too sure if the other 3 Malaysian born artists (Heman Chong, Joshua Yang, Sherman Ong) are considered Malaysian or Singaporean. (?) Thailand, Phillipines and Indonesia only got 5 combined! Considering how important those countries are in the art world they were quite nice to us-lah.

Why Malaysian Art?

2008-10-18T00:38:00.022+08:00

Seated Figure 6
Ahmad Zakii Anwar

Contemporary Southeast Asian artists are becoming an increasingly sought-after group in today’s market and once again the region’s key painters such as I Nyoman Masriadi and Ahmad Zakii Anwar and others are represented by strong works. -artdaily.com

Investing in a good art piece may be as good if not better than buying gold especially in these uncertain economic times. Southeast Asian art has just started taking off globally and good Malaysian art is at this moment, the lowest priced in the region. But not for long... So if you're a collector, an investor or are thinking about becoming one of these things, get in on the action already! But please do a little research first...

Close to 80% of 22 lots of Asian and Southeast Asian artworks were sold at a recent Amsterdam auction, most of them by up-and-coming artists from this region. 40% went to European collectors, proving a rising interest in contemporary new and emerging Asian and Southeast Asian artists. Highest bids were for Ahmad Zakii Anwar's Seated Figure 6 and Chang Fee Ming’s “September 27th” at €13,750 each at the auction jointly organised by Asian Based Larasati Auctioneers & Amsterdam Auctioneers Glerum.

Globally, the primary art market (artists-to-gallery) is presently healthier than the secondary (resale) market because primary prices haven't reached the degree of auctions and are also less prone to speculation. Having said that Malaysia's secondary art market is still relatively young and has yet to hit its real peak at which point many genuine collectors get priced out. For the same reasons, we can expect to find more experimental, political, profound and honest work rather than mere novel trinkets for billionaires who don't know what else to do with their money.