Bandar Seri Begawan - Local and expatriate artists are exhibiting their works in ‘Art to Heart‘ at the Museum Art Gallery, Old Custom building by the waterfront in the capital.
The week-long exhibition, organised by the Brunei Art Forum (BAF), was officiated by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud.
The minister applauded the efforts of BAF in bringing together local artists and expatriates committed to exchanging of artistic ideas.
He believed the exhibition will open the path to more prestigious art exhibitions in the near future.
The minister hoped that the exchange of ideas is not just a ‘mereview‘ but instead opens up the mind of artists to comprehend the idea behind the work of art produced by famous artists in the world.
"In my opinion, the main task behind a great artwork, including paintings, is to make us think and use our imagination," he said.
He quoted the famous Irish poet and novelist, Oscar Wild: "No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist."
Dato Paduka Haji Shofry bin Haji Abdul Ghafor, interim chairman of the Brunei Art Forum said the exhibition marks a start for future BAF exhibitions to come. It is a way to create awareness on art in Brunei.
The nation is in need of exposure, a platform or a venue where artists of all mediums are able to exhibit their artwork, he said.
"Artists need to get themselves exposed as it is very important for people to see their creativity and appreciate it."
The BAF will be hosting another art exhibition in Brunei to select the best art pieces to be exhibited in Penang in October, giving local artists an opportunity to exhibit their work internationally.
Dato Paduka Haji Shofry also spoke of BAF‘s plans for next year to open the art scene to students and youths.
Starting today (Monday), the exhibition will be open to the public daily from 9am to 4.30pm until Sunday, June 22. It gathered artists, local and expatriates to display their artwork in all media from paintings to sculpture, batik art, photography and so on.
The public who are interested in purchasing artworks on display can bid for them through an open auction.
A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the China and Myanmar disaster funds and for other victims of natural disasters. (By P. Marilyn)
Source: www.brudirect.com (June 9, 2008)
