Galeri Petronas Launches 'MATAHATI' Artworks For Everyone

Galeri Petronas has officially launched the exhibition of MATAHATI artworks featuring 107 pieces of art collection from five prominent Malaysian artists, namely, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Hamir Soib @ Mohamed and Masnoor Ramli Mahmud.

Organised by Galeri Petronas and curated by June Yap, this exhibition featuring paintings, sculptures, installations and video spans 4 venues, each carrying a specific theme namely, GALERI PETRONAS (Early Years, Developments & Explorations, Humanity & Community), The Annexe Gallery (Art & Life in Contemporary Malaysia), House of MATAHATI (Self & Representation) and 12 Art Space Gallery (Taking Issue with Art). In conjunction with this exhibition, Galeri Petronas has also published a comprehensive catalogue of works on MATAHATI. The launch of exhibition and publication was officiated by Latiff Mohidin, a prominent Malaysian and South East Asian artist.

Considered as one of the most important Malaysian contemporary art collectives, the MATAHATI artists have influenced the current generation of Malaysian artists in numerous ways from the use of new mediums to continuously pushing the boundaries of the dominant painting tradition in Malaysian art. Widely acclaimed as 'unorthodox' and 'barrier-breaking' in approach, subject matter-wise their brand of social commentary on current affairs provides the valuable and crucial connection between their work and the public at large.

Galeri Petronas will also hold panel discussion on "Talking about the Matahati's" at The Annexe Gallery, Central Market @ 15 March, a unique Artist Floor Talk on 22 March, a curatorial tour with J. Anu (Galeri Petronas' Senior Curator) on 20 March and 29 March 2008. For teenagers, a special workshop on "Wayang Khabar" and Gallery Discovery Tour themed 'Exploring the MATAHATI's' will commenced on 5 April 2008.

MATAHATI- For Your Pleasure is on show at GALERI PETRONAS, Level 3, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, House of MATAHATI and 12 Art Space Gallery until 13 April 2008, while at The Annexe Gallery it runs until 15 March 2008.

For any information, call Shamala Bai Rao at 032331814 or email shamala@petronas.com.my or log on to www.petronas.com.my