YOUNG people nowadays should be given more exposure, especially for those who are keen on art.
Professional visual artist Tang Yeok Khang said the first step would be to correct the wrong perception that those who venture into art could not earn a livelihood.
“Some people think that artists cannot generate any income because their artwork cannot sell. They are wrong because visual art particularly always gets a very good demand.
“This is because the art industry nowadays is growing with a lot of new and young talented artists in different forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, music, dance, theater, photography and films.
“So, their mindset clearly needs to change first,” he said in an interview at his art gallery at Galeri Impian Alma in Bukit Mertajam recently.
Born and raised in Bukit Mertajam, Tang said parents also play an important role to encourage their children to take up art.
He said our young generation is creative and has lots of ideas but lacks encouragement to make art their career.
Tang’s passion for art started since he was nine years old, drawing almost daily whatever he saw as a hobby.
“I am grateful that my parents saw my potential and supported me during my young days by sending me for art tuition.
“And by the time I was 14, I managed to sell my first painting. I believe parental support is very important,” he added.
According to Tang, senior art artists need to play their part by encouraging and inspiring the youth to grow in the field of arts.
He said they could, for example, set up an art workshop to encourage those with no art background to join and learn more about the artistic skills and knowledge.
On his part, Tang said he has encouraged all his students to take as many chances as possible to join art exhibitions so that they could receive more exposure while meeting other senior artists.
He also expressed his desire to see more proper art schools set up in the state.
“I know that art development in the state is still in the very early stage but it will be nice to see an art school being set up in Penang, whether it is funded by the state government or a private organisation,” Tang said.
Over the years, Tang’s artworks were collected by many respected institutions, such as Malaysia National Portrait Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Penang State Art Gallery, Malayan Banking Berhad and United Overseas Bank.
Occasionally, he is also invited as a guest speaker by some art institutions in the Asian region.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad