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Tourism Malaysia

Spending A Day at MASiF 2011

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.

Close and Personal - Soraya and Ariff Awaluddin

Ariff and Soraya

Close and Personal - Soraya and Ariff Awaluddin

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.

Close and Personal - Soraya and Ariff Awaluddin

Hanis, one of the participants of the talk speaking to Ariff after the session.

Close and Personal - Soraya and Ariff Awaluddin

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.

MASiF 2011 Day Three

Graceful dancers performing on stage at the Suria KLCC Concourse Area

MASiF 2011 Day Three

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

MASiF 2011 Day Three

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

MASiF 2011 Day Three

The lead singer of an indie group called Friday King Road belting one out of their hit songs

MASiF 2011 Day Three

The band, Friday King Road

MASiF 2011 Day Three

A group of performers striking up a fun pose for their fans

MASiF 2011 Day Three

For some reason, everyone seems to be attracted to this golden human statue that was there during the MASiF event

MASiF 2011 Day Three

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.

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Tourism Malaysia

Fusion of Passion

September 29, 2011 at 12:00 pm

This year’s Malaysia Day was celebrated on a grand scale, unlike the years before. Various activities were held by many organisations, including state and the federal governments, as well as other entities, all united in the celebration of the country that we live in. Chief among the celebrations was MASiF 2011 – the Music, Arts, Style, International Festival – at Suria KLCC. Among the highlights of the festival was an art exhibition at Galeri Petronas which has recently come to a close entitled Fusion of Passion.

Fusion of Passion

Chin Wan Kee – Beyond Mind and Words Series No 29

Fusion of Passion

Tew Nai Tong – Happy Life

Fusion of Passion

Clement Ooi Kit Meng – Together

So for those of you who were not in Kuala Lumpur during this year’s Malaysia Day and missed out on the exhibition, here is what Fusion of Passion was all about. The exhibition is a tribute to the diversity of the country and to show how differences can be celebrated and not feared. The exhibition strove to gather a number of artists and artwork assembled within one gallery to symbolise the fusion of various passions, and the diversity of artistic passion was shown in the depth of the works of fine art, sculpture, photography and illustration. Both established masters and emerging artists were given equal opportunity to showcase their work, so that the audience would better appreciate the true worth of the country.

Fusion of Passion

Izzati Shahrin – Dua Tiga Kucing Berlari, Mana Nak Sama Tikus Seorang

Fusion of Passion

Amiruddin Ariffin – Cosmic Symphony Series III

Fusion of Passion

Carlyn Chua Yuin Lim – Deafening Lights

The diversity of art in the exhibition acted as a reflection of what it means to be Malaysian, the respect and pride, and our own interpretation of what makes us Malaysians. Each work of art in the exhibition is an expression of the artist’s feelings and views towards Malaysia. This is interesting as it mirrors our perception about fellow Malaysians, as there will be times when we disagree with the artist’s vision, but there will definitely be times when we share and emphatise with what we see. The exhibition strives to use art to bring an understanding in ourselves about the society we live in, and the people we share this country with.

Fusion of Passion

Cindy Koh – Symbiosis III

Fusion of Passion

Jasmine Kok – Silver Bloom

Fusion of Passion

Rasid Yusof – Malaysian Interior 2

And although there is a deeper meaning in this exhibition, the many different pieces that make up this collection come together to create a harmonious and pleasant experience even for those of us who feel we do not understand art.

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