Celebrating independence through art

The Star Newspaper : Friday, 2 September 2016
BY MELIZARANI T.SELVA
(The Star Newspaper )

The launch of the art exhibition pulled in a large crowd.

ARTICULATING the spirit of Merdeka, Red Bull Product of Europe featured 59 artworks by homegrown artists to honour Malaysia’s 59th National Day.

The inaugural #EhWauBulan Art Showcase received 332 submissions, out of which 59 artworks from 44 artists were selected and exhibited at White Box @ MAP KL, Publika in Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

Held in partnership with the National Visual Arts Gallery, artworks of the 44 artists were then judged by a panel made up of #EhWauBulan street artist Fritilldea, contemporary artist Ivan Lam and National Visual Arts Development Board trustee Phillip Wong.

Pahang-born Abd Latif Maulan wowed the panel of judges with his three-part oil-on-canvas series titled “The Principle” that features self- portraiture, and was selected as the recipient of a bespoke artist programme.

“This is the first time in my 24 years of being an artist that I have won anything like this. “This series tells the story of my journey as a full-time artist,” he said at Red Bull’s #EhWauBulan launch.

Latif with his winning artwork at the launch of the # EhWau Bulan Art Showcase.

As the selected artist, Abd Latif will have an artist programme and resources tailor-made by the panel of judges to further develop his artistic merit.

Lam said the judges were impressed by the tremendous quality of the entries but Latif’s work left a lasting impression.

“In terms of techniques, concept and subject matter, every artist has created works that are relevant to our times and the issues we are facing every day.

“Latif’s artwork in particular immediately grabbed our attention, captivated us and made us want to know more about the art and the artist himself,” he said.

Red Bull’s #EhWauBulan Art Showcase is open to the public until Sept 7, 2016.