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UMS Hosts "Pameran Petak Pertama" Exhibition to Showcase Young Artists

 

The "Pameran Petak Pertama" exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Academy of Arts and Creative Technology (ASTiF) Alumni of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Azman Hashim Gallery UMS (GAH-UMS), served as a platform for emerging artists to take their first steps into Malaysia's art industry.

The exhibition features works by 21 alumni from the UH621001 Visual Arts Technology cohort of 2020/2021 from ASTiF UMS, showcasing 46 paintings and sculptures. These works are on display and available for purchase at the Kalimaran and Kaamatan exhibition halls of GAH-UMS, from May 4 to June 14.

UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, highlighted the involvement of ASTiF alumni in this exhibition as evidence of their ongoing commitment to their alma mater, even after graduation, fostering strong collaborations.

“The collaboration through this exhibition benefits both the participants and GAH-UMS. Appreciation should also be given to the ASTiF lecturers who have trained and produced talented graduates in the country’s visual arts field,” he said.

The exhibition was officiated by Malaysian Visual Arts Consultant and Founder of Pantau Iraga Art Space, Awang Damit Ahmad, at the Sekafi Auditorium, GAH-UMS. Prof. Madya Dr. Mohammad Puad Bebit, Director of GAH-UMS, delivered the Vice Chancellor’s speech.

In his speech, Awang Damit encouraged young artists to continue their journey in the arts, even as the art industry undergoes changes due to globalization and urbanization.

“Malaysia’s younger generation of artists must keep moving forward and act as catalysts for future generations of artists,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of institutions like GAH-UMS in providing opportunities for emerging artists to grow, create, and explore new possibilities in the field.

Following the opening, Awang Damit spent time with the artists in a discussion session titled “Masih Ada Ruang” (There is Still Space), where they discussed the current landscape of Malaysian art.

Also present at the event were UMS Chief Librarian, Md. Sazali Md. Salleh; Exhibition Organizing Director, Irham Zulhilmi Mohd. Johan; local artists; and artists from Brunei Darussalam.