Above: The exhibition is curated by art history professor Dr Zakaria Ali.
As Malaysia prepares to mark its 55th year since independence, Galeri Petronas, the art space belonging to the state-owned oil giant, is exhibiting 65 works by some of the country’s most noted figurative artists.
The exhibition, entitled Figure Out, aims to shed new light on the country’s trajectory over the last half century, from the rocky beginnings of Malaysia’s separation from British rule, to its future as a cosmopolitan regional powerhouse, still piecing together its democratization.
The collection includes work by artists active in the immediate post-colonial vacuum, such as the late, Indonesian-born Dato’ Hoessein Enas and Chinese-born batik painter Datuk Chuah Thean Teng.
The country’s contemporary scene is represented by Simon Soon, Zulkifli Yusoff, and Anurendra Jegadeva, whose work is especially concerned with migrant identity.
Entrance to the exhibition, which runs until November 11, is free.
Galeri Petronas; Level 3, Suria KLCC; 03/2051-7770; Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
