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This exhibition will showcase recent works by the illustrious members of the Malaysian Watercolour Organisation (MWO). Subjects include realistic as well as semi-abstract depictions of rural landscapes of fishing villages, kampung scenes, still-lifes and flora and fauna.
MWO Chairman, Dr. Wong Seng-tong first initiated the Malaysian Watercolour Organisation in 1992 with the idea of promoting the art of watercolour both locally and internationally. Since its inception the MWO has participated actively in the local art scene and has held two State collaborated shows - the first in Malacca in 2002 and the second in Kelantan in 2004. Both these exhibitions showed contemporary works by existing members and invited guest artists from the respective states. Their next project will be an exhibition in association with the Pahang State Government.
Members of the MWO have actively participated in many invitational programmes in Asia and in other foreign countries. The international destinations have included Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong, Taipei, Thailand, Sweden, New Delhi, India, Sao Paolo, Brazil and Amman, Jordan.
The quiet fashion of watercolours is ideal for capturing everyday scenes. A spot painter would find a location and begin a narrative of his surroundings. A favourite amongst the members of this organisation are rural scenes. Lives of our fishermen, especially depicting scenes such as daybreak at the fishing village and the return of fishermen after a days catch all allude to the traditions of these romantic painters. With strong affiliation to our roots and heritage they continue to paint scenes that are reminiscent of early years past, life in the kampungs, images of our cottage industry such as weaving and batik making and the going-ons of the morning market scenes all together reflect the quaint and precise nature of the medium and the painters.
But not all the works are of this nostalgic and pleasing nature. In contrast, juxtaposed with the tranquil mood paintings, are the more thought provoking works. Some works in the exhibition show the onset of industrialisation in many of these rural areas. We see images, which clearly depict the sharp contrast between the old and new, nature against the harshness of newly built edifices. Stately colonial buildings are towered and hidden by glass and steel symbolising the harsh eroding effect of modernity in cities.
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Much of this exhibition presents a consciousness for the fragility of our cultural traditions. Together all members of the Malaysian Watercolour Organisation have taken this challenge to cultivate, through exhibitions and publications of catalogues, and to elevate sensitivity towards the ordinary people and the land. Every painting in this exhibition suggests a pictorial image with a deeper consensus for a responsibility to preserve whatever that possesses an intrinsic value unique to us.
Members of the Malaysian Watercolour Organization taking part in “Malaysian Watercolours 2005” are :
1. Yeo Eng Peng
2. Mansor Ghazalli
3. Datuk S K Choo
4. Cheah Yew Saik
5. Dr. Wong Seng-tong
6. Abdul Ghani Ahmad
7. Koh Shim Luen
8. Chow Chin Chuan
9. Yong Look Lam
10. Khoo Cheang Jin
11. Choh Kok Kheong
12. Chin Kon Yit
13. Ooi Aik Ceong
14. Lee Eng Beng
15. Sharifah Zuriah Aljeffri
16. Yeoh Kean Thai
17. Md Sani Md Dom
18. Aminah Abdul Rahman
19. Zuzila Zain
20. Calvin Chua
21. Khalil Ibrahim
22. Datuk Tengku Alaudin Tengku A Majid
23. Michael Chong Voon Kong
24. Md Noor b Bidin
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