This year No 2 Jalan Stonor has been introduced as a new
venue for exhibitions to the art world. The theme for the gallery, as
stated in our invitation to exhibitors, is for the works to include a
consideration for Malaysian heritage or conservation. The year began with
last year's display of student measured drawings from KALAM, and in addition
there were five new exhibitions. We appreciate the efforts of Pam Whitaker
in publicising the gallery and the contribution of Jerry Moggie who designed
the shelving system for the storage of artwork.
Some of the benefits of the growth in this area are greater exposure
for the organisation and its mission, enhancement of No 2 Jalan Stonor
as a heritage centre, increased membership and additional income from
a percentage of sales proceeds. Next year we plan to hold bimonthly exhibitions
interspersed with trips.
The following is a review of the exhibitions that were opened in 1998.
 Images
of Malaysian Heritage
Tan Sri Dato Seri (Dr) Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid opened this textile
exhibition by students from Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA). The exhibition
was coordinated by Samsuddin Abu Bakar, a lecturer at MIA. The textile
motifs echo many aspects of Malaysian heritage-natural, cultural, visual,
performing, craft and built. On display were silk screened textile works,
combined with some batik and mixed media pieces. The MIA is a non-profit
organisation established in 1967 to promote the arts and to provide training
for gifted artistic students.
Observations
This is Yvonne Tan's first exhibition of black and white photographs
of Malaysia's urban heritage. It was opened by Datin Seri Dr Wan Zizah
bte Dato' Dr Wan Ismail. Taken between 1976 to 1997 the photographs on
display revealed the richly textured streetscapes and architectural elements
of Penang and other Malaysians towns. There were many scenes of traditional
street life and activity, transitional spaces, building facades and elements
reflecting the cultural and religious life characteristic of Malaysia
 Resonance
of Nature
Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr) Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid opened Barbara Obermann's
exhibition featuring paper collages using handmade paper and natural dyes.
Gerhard Engelking, Director of The Goethe Institute, introduced the artist.
The exhibition derived its inspiration from Barbara's time in Malaysia
and Nepal. She infuses a textual complexity in her representation of tropical
flowering plants, hand-thrown pots and heritage architecture. Barbara
has exhibited her art in Germany, Nepal and Malaysia.
 Our
Heritage to Cherish
This exhibition, launched by Datuk Paduka (Dr) Saleha bte Hj Mohd Ali,
reflects the varied perspectives Malaysian artists have of their heritage
and culture. Ajis Mohamad is noted for his paintings of Malaysian marine
life. Chu Li is a photographer, and has created gold-leaf and mixed media
collages on photo prints. Eric Peris is a photographer who captures images
of our heritage. Ismail Hasim is a photographer whose works are social
commentaries on aspects of Malaysian society. Sharifah Zuriah Aljeffri
focuses on the conservation of the natural environment. William Harald-Wong
is a graphic designer expressing his concerns about urbanisation effects
on our lifestyles.
Malaysian Earth to Shapes
 The
final exhibition of the year was opened by Nizar Idris and featured a
wide range of ceramic forms to cater to all tastes, from whimsical decorative
pieces to elegantly proportioned functional stoneware such as tableware
and lanterns. A special event at the opening was the demonstration of
a raku firing. The ceramic artists exhibiting their works were Mariam
Jutta, Cheah Yew Saik, Cheah Yeow Seng, Chia Peck Hong, Ikuko Kato, Junko
Siraki and Tan Ghee Chiao.
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