September 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm
The Music, Art, Style International Festival (MASiF) 2011 is an event that celebrates the three different categories of art – fine art, fashion and music. One of the activities organised as an effort to cultivate a better understanding of Fine Art was the Public Programmes held at Galeri Petronas. The three programmes that was held on the 16th and 17th September were ‘An Evening with Amri Ginang‘, where participants were given an opportunity to be up close and personal with one of Malaysia’s pioneer photographers, Amri Ginang and ‘Fusion of Passion : Walk With The Artist‘, where some of Malaysia’s best painters, photographers, sculptors and illustrators talk about their latest works that are currently on display at Galeri Petronas. The last programme which was held on 17th September at 2.00 pm, was ‘Close and Personal : Soraya Ariff Awaluddin‘. Funny how this was the only talk that caught my eye. Maybe it was because of her credentials that made me curious, or it could have been the fact that she exudes a warm and friendly aura that made me wanted to listen to her story.
Ariff and Soraya
Soraya with Arif, the art coordinator of MASiF 2011 and Ir. Adam Salim having a short chat after the talk
As there was only a few of us at the start of the talk, Ariff suggested that we all drew our seats closer to the speaker’s table for a more intimate affair. The talk went on for about three hours, with both Ariff and Soraya sharing their thoughts and opinions about everything, from photography to issues that most photographers face in Malaysia. And boy, were those thoughts and opinions of theirs very interesting! It was a little bit dampening to hear how many of our local senior photographers are not very well-known compared to some of our senior artists. They also spoke on how changing times have made it easier for most to own a digital camera. For them, it is not the issue of how hi-tech one’s camera can be but more of the person’s understanding of the equipment’s functions and limitations. It was indeed an eye-opening talk for someone like me, who wants to make photography a serious hobby in the near future.
Hanis, one of the participants of the talk speaking to Ariff after the session.
Soraya Talismail and Ariff Awaluddin posing with a portrait taken by Soraya of Ungku Abdul Aziz
After the end of the talk, I decided to explore MASiF’s outdoor activities for a change. As it is all about celebration with everyone, some of the activities are held outdoors so that everyone can be a part of the festival. Though the skies threatened to soak everyone right to the bone that evening, it did not prove to be a dampener on their spirits as most of them went right ahead with their agenda. With the music from Friday King Road, an independent band that was performing at the background filling up the whole area, the environment of the evening is best described using photographs.
Graceful dancers performing on stage at the Suria KLCC Concourse Area
Though the skies looked like it was about to pour, it did not deter the crowds from hanging around and having fun at the Esplanade area
Whether you are there to check out your favourite indie band or just to spend time with your family, there’s no doubt that everyone enjoyed themselves immensely
The lead singer of an indie group called Friday King Road belting one out of their hit songs
The band, Friday King Road
A group of performers striking up a fun pose for their fans
For some reason, everyone seems to be attracted to this golden human statue that was there during the MASiF event
Anyone want to try their hands at staying still for as long as you can while standing?
As you can see, MASiF is the sort of festival that is best experienced first-hand, because the best parts of it must be seen, heard and experienced by ourselves in order to fully appreciate it.
Tags: Art Exhibition, Concerts and Live Performances, Galeri Petronas, Kuala Lumpur, MASiF2011, Music Art Style International Festival, Suria KLCC
