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| Kelantan |
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| Johor |
Having trekked thousands of miles and lived amongst the tribal people of Sarawak, Bali, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, artist Chia Hoy Sai is back in Malaysia with a collection of new portraits in oils and pencil which he has painted “with his whole being.” From the harmonious relationship among the tribal peoples in Serian, Sarawak, Chia realised the ideal of a “multi-ethnic and multi-culture” society. His portraits and sketches included tribes such as the long-necked Karen, Akka, Batak and Mong.
Since May 2009, he has exhibited these works in SGM Culture Centres in Selangor before touring to Negeri Sembilan, Johor Bahru, Chaah, Melaka, Kuantan, Terengganu, Kelantan, Ipoh, Kampar, Bukit Tambun, Penang and Kedah. Wisma Kebudayaan SGM in Kuala Lumpur is the last station of the tour. Teng Chang Khim, Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, declared the exhibition open on December 27, 2009.
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| Penang |
In his speech, Teng mentioned the lack of importance Malaysians placed on the arts in contrast with some advanced countries. He welcomed the role SGM has played in keeping the arts alive and emphasised that apart from techniques and talent, an artist needs to have a heart full of the love for humanity.
In conjunction with the opening, an art talk chaired by Chia was also held where he shared many touching stories and encounters in his journey through art. “The Differing Faces of South East Asia” exhibition ended on January 3, 2010.
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| Johor |
Negeri Sembilan |
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