* kopihangtuah: Malaysian Contemporary Arts Showcased at World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

Malaysian contemporary artists such as Daud Rahim, Husin Hourmain, Md Fadli Yusof, M. Noor Mahmud and Suhaimi Fadzil were fortunately given the chance to have their art work viewed by dignified people such as HM Prince of Wales, HM Sultan of Brunei, HM King of Jordan as well as the Presidents/Prime Ministers/Head of States of the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kosovo, Bahrain, Pakistan, Bosnia and Herzegovenia

RT plays an important role in introducing a particular society to the eyes of the world. It also carries with it messages that a nation believes in. It (art) is a language in itself that travels beyond boundaries of nations and ethnic constraints... like music. For Malaysia, we have been focusing quite intensely on the nation building surrounding sovereignity of the nation and economic strength. This is natural and logical of course. Any newly born country like us (Malaysia with only 56 years of existence) ought to have that priority. However, when we approach 2020, the much anticipated year of Malaysia becoming a 'developed' country rather than 'developing', we have to start thinking about growing our identity in the eyes of the global theatre. Who are we? Where we come from? So we tell them. We are Malaysian. Mighty, mighty Malaysian. How do we do this? Art is the best option. Kudos to the team at World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) held in October/November this year in London for showcasing Malaysian contemporary art with the strong support by the Malaysian government via its investment company, MyCreative Ventures, as well as art enthusiast, the Artcube Gallery of Intermark.

It is only justified that such success be shared (via this blog post) with fellow Malaysians who were not there in London to experience Malaysian contenporary art highlighted by WIEF's satellite exhibition, the Marketplace of Creative Arts (MOCA). This is a significant exposure. Malaysian contemporary artists such as Daud Rahim, Husin Hourmain, Md Fadli Yusof, M. Noor Mahmud and Suhaimi Fadzil were fortunately given the chance to have their art work viewed by dignified people such as HM Prince of Wales, HM Sultan of Brunei, HM King of Jordan as well as the Presidents/Prime Ministers/Head of States of the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kosovo, Bahrain, Pakistan, Bosnia and Herzegovenia and many more that also includes CEOs of many participating international and multinational corporations across the globe. Various world heritage organisations also took the opportunity to interview WIEF officials in documenting this great curatorialship.

In my mind, "Why are the foreigners appreciating our art more than us, Malaysians?" We must show our (Malaysian citizens) appreciation. It starts on home ground. Hence, shall we now view those pieces of art? here in this blog post...... Here goes (in alphabetical order of the artists):