Kuala Lumpur - Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has an affinity for Makyong because of its association with the beautiful and long heritage that is part of Malay history.
“I like Makyong because it reminds me that Malays are people with culture, history and class. That is why, if we have more culture, we will have more class,” said the Kelantan native at the opening of the Makyong art exhibition entitled Angin Si Pauh Janggi – Kenangan Makyong Khatijah Awang, created in tribute to the late Makyong primadonna Khatijah Awang.
It is jointly organised by Galeri Melora and Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), under the patronage of the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, and supported by RA Fine Arts.
“Makyong is very special to me because I knew Khatijah personally. She was the main exponent of Makyong and an artist of extraordinary abilities,” said Zaid.
Makyong is a Malay cultural performance combining acting, dancing, singing, drama, romance and comedy in a single performance.
Also present at the event were SGM council member Johnny Ng and RA Fine Arts director Raja Ahmad Aminullah.
The exhibition features a showcase of paintings, textiles, costumes and sketches of dance movements by artist-poet Dr Siti Zainon Ismail; some items were given to Siti by Khatijah herself.
It aims to express the values of cultural heritage and pay tribute to the late Khatijah, share her artistic expertise with the public (especially the younger generation), and work towards the publication of her biography.
The exhibition also provides a platform for students to understand and appreciate art, as well as initiate art critique through forums and art workshops.
Proceeds from the sale of exhibits will go towards the Galeri Melora Research Fund for preserving art heritage through research.
Siti explained that the exhibition was a visual representation of years of research on Khatijah and Makyong, which she hoped would offer insight to the younger generation about our rich cultural history.
“It is also a tribute to Khatijah and my experience with her as my teacher. I learnt so much about aesthetic values, Malay society‘s beliefs, performing arts, costumes, and more from her.
“Si Pauh Janggi is a term that depicts a faraway location that should be explored,” said Siti.
“It also became the subject and soul for me to explore and served as inspiration for me to paint the Makyong series, and became the theme that went into the spirit of the artworks.”
The exhibition runs until tomorrow at the Fifth Floor Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL.
A forum will also be held at 11am today, featuring four speakers – Raja Ahmad Aminullah, Dr Zakaria Ali, Dr Zulkifli Mohamad and Tan Sei Hon.
The exhibition is open to the public from 11am to 6pm daily. Admission to the exhibition and forum is free. By JADE CHAN
Source: http://thestar.com.my (November 01, 2008)
