Seven Bruneian Artists Feature in Exhibition

Batik Print By Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Pictures by BT/Sharleen Othman

VETERAN artist, Khalid Othman (picture) explaining his painting yesterday. He was among a group of seven veteran local artists who were featured at an art exhibition to give the public a glimpse of Brunei's culture and ethnicity through their works.

Some 60 pieces of artworks by seven artists have been put on display at the Main Hall in Panaga Club, Brunei Seria.

Besides Khalid, the other artists are Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, Dr Baharuddin Md Arus, Hj Osman Mohammad, Hj Rahim Ahmad and Dr Zahari Hamidon are veterans in the Brunei art scene and each has his own unique artistic expertise.

The works on display represent several different art techniques including batik painting, oil painting, acrylic painting, sketches and digital prints.

Having already showcased their works in a number of other exhibitions, the group eventually decided upon setting up an exhibition showcasing works that represent the Sultanate's unique culture of different ethnic groups.

Uniting their works under the singular theme of "Brunei Ethnic and Culture", the artists said the pieces show not only the different techniques, but also the culture behind them.

"We want to expose the different motif designs of ethnic groups in the country", said Zainal Abidin who organised the private exhibition. For foreigners, this is one way to expose the local culture, he said.

Khalid Othman who has six pieces of work on display said his artwork focused on the the study of movement and features sceneries from Tasik Merimbun and Temburong.

Zainal said he especially wanted youths to see the exhibition as "it is during youth that you develop your ideas of expression".

" This is especially for the youth who are fast forgetting the culture, we want to highlight to them," he added.

The art exhibition which was officially opened to the public yesterday will end today. It is open from 10am until 6pm.

Visitors, particularly budding artists and art aficionados, will have the opportunity to interact and discuss with the artists regarding the works during the exhibition.

According to the artists, their next exhibition will be in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will feature new works with a different theme.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/06/26/seven-bruneian-artists-feature-exhibition