River bank to be turned into open-air 'art gallery'

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (left) and National Visual Arts chairman Datuk Mahadzir Lokman.

KUALA LUMPUR: Art lovers have more reason to rejoice as Malaysia is set to have more outdoor space to showcase works of local artists.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said plans were afoot to transform part of the Gombak riverbank behind the Ministry's office here into an art space.

"When I met the Prime Minister two days ago, he suggested we have an open space for local artists to display their work. "Once the River of Life project to clean up the river here is done, the space behind my office here will be turned into Malaysia's own Bayswater," he said in reference to the street in London known for its thriving art community. The project, he said, is expected to be completed by year-end.

Speaking at the Young Contemporaries Award 2013 presentation ceremony at the National Visual Arts Gallery here Wednesday, Mohamed Nazri also said the gallery will soon be known by its original name, the National Art Gallery. "This is to reflect the various forms of art that are exhibited within the gallery, which is not just in visual form," he added.

At the ceremony, seven outstanding young Malaysian artists received the award under seven categories. The biennial award, which has been given out since 1974, recognises Malaysian artists below 40 who produce uniquely expressive works of art.

The grand prize is a cash prize of RM20,000 and an artistic trip to an Asean country, and another five jury special awards come with a RM5,000 cash prize each. There is also the Visitors' Choice Award, with a RM2,000 cash prize.

Among the famous names who have been recipients of the award are Ponirin Amin, Awang Damit Ahmad and Lee Kian Seng. All 28 works submitted for the award are open for public viewing at the gallery until March 31.

-thestar online.