THE Brunei Art Forum (BAF) will be showcasing works from its members at a permanent venue where artists can display their creativity and work in the right environment.
President of BAF Dato Paduka Hj Shofry Abd Ghafor said during the opening that this will give local artists a chance for exposure and at the same time give members of the public an opportunity to enjoy looking at their work.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Hjh AdinaOthman said in her opening speech that the exhibition would help improve the performance of the Airport Mall.
She added that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (KKBS) welcomed the BAF's efforts to promote culture in the country.
A participant, Mohd Alwe Salleh, who teaches Art, shared in an interview that his work symbolises poverty and used mainly dark colours to show it.
He used newspaper clippings in his work to symbolise everyday life. The painting also detailed a face looking to the side with the eyes closed.
"I painted the eyes closed because it shows that we do not know what happens in the future."
Mohd Alwe has participated in many exhibitions previously, both locally and internationally.
Another participant Abd Malik Abd Metarsat, a former chief artist at the Language Literature and Bureau, has two of his artworks on display.
His first work shows a footpath which he says symbolises memories. He created this during his travels in the United Kingdom and where he came across a particularly interesting footpath in Kent.
He says that the footpath interested him because of the different textures.
For his second art work, he created a mixed-media art work that symbolises a green environment.
"I got my idea to do this when I heard on the media about promoting a green environment being more important in this day and age."
Abd Malik, who has been in the art field since 1974, has also taken part in international art exhibitions.
Adib Hossaini, a 19-year-old diploma graduate, said that he was excited about the increasing number of exhibitions held for local artists.
He had heard about this showcase from friends as art is their hobby. He also paints with oil pastels in his free time. However, he says that he has never participated in a showcase of this sort.
"I feel, that by having this, it not only gives the artists a good exposure but also gives the younger generation a chance to see that art is also appreciated in Brunei," he said. "Art is just as important as other subjects as it is something where people can express their feelings without having to voice it out."
The showcase "Art @ The Souq" is located at The Souq on Level One at the Airport Mall.
It is a monthly showcase. The first showcase was a collection of works from members of the BAF.
The showcase will be on display for a whole month until April 5 before continuing with other collections ranging from photography, paintings, graphics and other forms of art.
Most of the displayed art works can be purchased; prices are available on request.
The Souq is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
The Brunei Times
