BY SUFIAN MOHIDIN
KUCHING: Two river taxis (locally called ‘penambang’) will be given a facelift by three artists, transforming the boats into live-art installations.
The facelift by the artists from ‘9Lives’ art club, will happen alongside other activities in the national Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia, an annual celebration under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
From tomorrow till the 27th, the city will, for the first time, host the programme.
Amy Amin, a muralist prodigy; D2K, a hip-hop merchandise designer prodigy; and Dhiya Roslan, a calligraffiti prodigy will be at the event, fusing contemporary and cultural artistry.
On the intrinsic value of the ‘penambang’ facelift, Amy said, “If we look at how people appreciate art differently, then we should look at it as a craft of creating emotions.
“Our team’s aim in this project is to convey on these boats the emotion of romance and the tranquil character of the river,” said Amy.
The theme of this year’s Citrawarna, ‘Temasya Kepelbagain Budaya’ (celebrating cultural diversity) is set to display a spectacle dedicated to every Malaysian ethnic group and cultural values.
In the spirit of Citrawarna, the National Art Gallery (NAG) will showcase art works and artisans from around Sarawak and Sabah. The public will be able to see up close a series of cross-cultural contemporary art works.
From Sabah, Nag’s Young Entrepreneurs alumni, Dayangku Nohidayah Pg. Imran and Brandon Anak Simon Scott will showcase their cultural fusion art.
Amongst the other art installations that can be experienced at Citrawarna is ‘Seni di Lokasi’ artwork produced by participants of ‘Bakat Muda Sezaman’ programme that was held recently.
Nag is very excited to share this urban fusion of culture and contemporary arts with all of Citrawarna’s patrons.
“Our responsibility at Nag is to promote the arts, their development and value,” said Amerrudin Ahmad, director-general of Nag.
“We are grateful that Citrawarna Malaysia is held here and look forward to sharing the excitement with everyone.”
Amerrudin also expressed how this event is a great blessing.
“All praise be to Allah for giving this opportunity to celebrate ‘Temasya Kepelbagaian Budaya’, and as we are responsible for each other’s well-being, let’s observe the public health SOPs while the pandemic is with us. Let’s cherish Citrawarna responsibly,” he said.
For further enquiries, contact Nags officials at 0164947921 (Sarifah) or 0179873303 (Wan Nor Hidayah Wan Idris).
