THE Penang State Art Gallery (PSAG) today officially launched the ‘Triumph Emerging Artists – Penang BMS2021 Finalists Exhibition’ to showcase artworks produced by six artists for the National Art Gallery’s Bakat Muda Sezaman (BMS), or Young Contemporaries Award 2021.
BMS is an initiative organised by the National Art Gallery twice a year for all Malaysians aged 35 and below.
The 2021 edition, which started in October last year, has ended in January this year. The theme was ‘Seni Di Lokasi’ or ‘Art On Site’.
A total of 109 finalists have been shortlisted for the top prize, and six of them have chosen Penang as their preferred destination to exhibit their artworks.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the state is committed to transforming Penang into a famous art hub, not only among the locals here but nationwide as well.
“The main objective of this exhibition by PSAG and my office is to celebrate the efforts and journey taken by these artists who have chosen Penang to showcase their artworks.
“Penang is viewed as a complete destination that has it all, from historic heritage buildings, culture, art, food, tourist attraction spots to nature and many others.
“This is why we stand out as a unique state when compared to other states.
“As for the BMS finalists, who I understand mostly hail from different parts of the country, Penang warmly welcomes you and sincerely appreciates your decision to choose this state as your preferred location to showcase your amazing works of art,” Yeoh said during a press conference at the Penang State Art Gallery at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town today.
He also added the artworks were previously located at various locations across the state, but have now been gathered and placed at PSAG for the exhibition until April 30.
State Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad said the exhibition is open to the public during its operating days and hours (Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm). It is closed on Fridays.
Yeoh also said art exhibitions are a way of improving and progressing the state’s Penang2030 Vision of ‘A Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“Moving forward, we hope to attract more artists, not only locally, but those outside of Penang as well,” Yeoh added.
The six artists are Sumay Cheah, Rahmi Bujang, Isabel Thong Kai Yun, Jeslyn Ooi, Thanesh Kichi and Lee Lin Chee.
Also present during the press conference was Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud