Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.” Today, in the face of the possibility that Malaysia’s cultural heritage and traditions may be losing their lustre, Leonard S. R Yiu is playing an important role in preserving the country’s culture and heritage to ensure future generations do not lose out.

In 2004, Central Market was transformed into a more structured and organised hub for culture and art. Tucked between a maze of shops selling sculpture, ornaments, relics, old weapons, and jewelleries is Art House Gallery, the only gallery museum in the country with a comprehensive collection of tribal and native arts from different ethnic groups in East Malaysia and other parts of Asia. Proud owner Leonard says that his gallery-cum-museum is unique to Central Market because amid the rows of beautiful items and antiques sourced from various parts of the world is an enclave holding his private collections. “All the items you see in this part of the museum are my private collection and these are rich in the culture and heritage of the natives of East Malaysia. These are not for sale and no amount of money can make me part with them,” he said with pride. “I have housed them in this museum to spread awareness and to educate visitors on the need to preserve a country’s culture, tradition, and history,” he said.

Art House Gallery, according to Leonard, is the longest in existence since its establishment in 1970 by his late father. His father was instrumental in setting up the first privately owned gallery. “My father was from China and was deeply influenced by his roots and his origins. Although my father was a man of culture and a literate person, when he came to Malaysia, he experienced a language barrier, so he used Chinese calligraphy to promote his passion,” Leonard enthused. “When he started the gallery it was only natural for him to promote the art widely. Having said that, my father never neglected the heritage and culture of other races and since the Art House Gallery was the only gallery at that time, he had the huge responsibility of promoting all cultures and art regardless of the religion and he did well,” he pointed out.

Talking to Leonard, one can’t help but be swept away by his passion for the languishing arts and culture of the country. He said when he stepped into the business in 1988 Leonard started to diversify the gallery to promote arts and antiques from various parts of the world. “In this country, where we are a melting pot of culture, heritage, and tradition, we can never tire of learning the mysticism behind it all. I find that people are not into tribal art simply because there is deep-seated superstition behind it but if one takes time to learn and understand it, they will find that tribal art or ethnographic specimen is a precise description of the indigenous people,” he said.

Tribal art, according to Leonard, is rough and rugged while some are refined, and one can see their skilled art form and indigenous images. It is home grown and comes from native thinking, devoid of any modern interpretation or influences: from the pattern, form, and motif to the design. “Native people have been living without outside influences for many years therefore their art is in its purest form. They are the masters of their own design. When I realised all this, I was mesmerised by the depth of it and decided that the beauty of tribal art should be shared by everyone, so I started my collection of tribal arts,” he observed.

“It took me 20 years to collect these items, and it is a constant work in progress,” he said. “This gallery is four years old. I don’t get a stream of customers, but I have a regular clientele. And I get to show off my collection in a space with the type of people who will appreciate it. This is an invaluable plus point.” Art House Gallery (listed by Lonely Planet as a place of interest) is definitely the place to go if an individual wants to learn the rich culture behind these antiques – Leonard provides a comprehensive guided tour that will leave you mesmerised.

Art House Gallery
2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe
Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03.2031 1468

Source: The Expat November 2013

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