From its humble beginnings in Malacca as the first and only Art Tourism Malaysia Expo (as it was known then), the Art Expo Malaysia has come a long way. This mammoth event has grown from exhibiting work by specific artists to a world-class event boasting more than 60 participating art galleries from more than 20 countries.
Spearheaded by Vincent Sim, the event sprang from his love for art and the desire to see quality artwork flourish in Malaysia. This year’s expo is a reflection of this goal, with the Malaysian contingent represented by a record number of reputable exhibitors including National Visual Arts Gallery Malaysia, Art Accent, Artseni Gallery, City Art Gallery, G13 Gallery, KL Lifestyle Art Space, Pelita Hati Gallery of Art, Sutra Foundation, Yahong Art Gallery, and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers.
Alongside these renowned galleries, the expo will feature first-time participants such as Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, Art & Identity, Artemis Art, Segaris Art Center, Purplehouz Fine Arts, Core Design Gallery, Blue Dots Art as well as The Malaysian Art Centre, resulting in a great mix of established pioneer artists and emerging young artists.
Not to be left behind, the international art community is also well represented, with art lovers being given the opportunity to view more than 2,000 pieces from countries around the world including Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, Iran, Hungary, and Spain.
A particular highlight from this year’s lineup is the much anticipated Joan Miro exhibition, where an astounding 13 pieces of artwork from the Spanish-Catalan painter and sculptor will be displayed. Equally unmissable will be top Chinese contemporary artist Feng Zhengjie, who will present six artworks from his latest series in which he explores different techniques and expression styles, while leading digital artist Miao Xiaochun will stun the audience with his latest Cubism project.
There will also be an art auction, held in the exhibition hall, organised by Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers which will focus predominantly on auctioning the artworks of young, contemporary Malaysian artists. As if this wasn’t enough, an “Embassy Zone” will be established, within which the Embassies of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador and Switzerland will showcase artistic talents from their respective countries.
Art Expo Malaysia is under the esteemed Royal Patronage of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Perlis. The Royal Patrons “have watched over the growth of the Art Expo Malaysia, and are proud of its achievements and progress.” They have also expressed their delight at the success of the prominent Art Expo, saying that “it is achieved via the hard work and painstaking effort by the organisers [who] overcame daunting challenges and obstacles [and kept] on striving to improve the quality of the Expo in every aspect.”
The Art Expo Malaysia’s aim is to generate greater art appreciation and awareness and to attract art lovers and enthusiasts from around the region. Perhaps the most winning aspect of the Art Expo Malaysia is that there are no admission fees; those from all walks of life are welcome to enjoy the exhibition and soak up all the culture it has to offer – an aim the organisers have striven for since its commencement.
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The Art Expo Malaysia 2012 will be held at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre from 27 to 30 September 2012.
Admission is free.
Menara MATRADE is located on Jalan Khidmat Usaha (off Jalan Duta), 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
For more information, please contact 03.7728 3677, email [email protected], or log on to www.artexpomalaysia.com.
Source: The Expat September 2012
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