Literary Appreciation Session Explores Connection Between Literature and Visual Arts

On 7 June 2026, in conjunction with the “Harmony: In Colours and Combinations” exhibition, a literary appreciation session was held at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM featuring two Malaysian National Literature Laureates (Sasterawan Negara): the 6th National Laureate Prof Emeritus Dr Muhamad Haji Salleh, and the first female and 13th National Laureate Datuk Dr Zurinah Hassan.

Moderated by participating artist Mohd Nizam Radzaly, the session explored the relationship between writers and visual artists. Prof Emeritus Dr Muhamad highlighted that shared human experiences are expressed through words, images and music. He noted that both writers and visual artists also rely on language in their minds to shape their work, allowing both fields to continually expand through interconnected disciplines.

Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Zurinah spoke on art as a bridge between people, emphasising that despite differences in culture and belief, people are united by an appreciation of natural beauty. She explained that harmony is inherent in nature and is reflected in poetry, music and literature, where language itself can become rhythmic and musical.

Prof Emeritus Dr Muhamad added that all creative forms – poetry, painting, photography and film – stem from human imagination and foster understanding and appreciation of beauty.

The session was also attended by the 14th National Laureate Datuk Dr Siti Zainon Ismail who shared her experiences of practising fine arts in Yogyakarta. She also expressed that the session provided a valuable learning experience for the younger generation to understand and appreciate all forms of traditional arts. 

Reported by Ashlynn Tham, photographed by Jeffery Lum and Jordann Cheng