Fusion Revival: Debut Solo Exhibition by Dennis Liew at Artemis Art

Continuing their support for young Malaysian artists, particularly those with learning difficulties, Artemis Art is proud to present “Fusion Revival”, the debut solo exhibition by Dennis Liew, a 28-year old artist afflicted with Asperger’s.

Combining the techniques of Chinese ink and brush art with elements of the very European post-Impressionist pointillism, Dennis has arrived at a style that we think is quite unique. He calls it “Fusion Revivalism”, a term coined by the artist himself, as far as we can tell, and which has contributed to the title for this exhibition, his debut solo outing.

Covering a multitude of themes, Dennis presents to us his imagined utopia – a serene land that is rich with undisturbed flora and fauna, vibrantly alive with natural features whose magnificence would simply leave us in awe if such places existed. In all, a total of 19 art pieces will be on display.

“Fusion Revival” will be officially opened by Mr. Chong Buck Tee at 3:00pm on Sunday, January 19th, 2014. Mr. Chong graduated from the Malaysian Institute of Art in 1972. Presently he is the president of the Bakti Art Centre, and is a member of the Selangor & Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Shui-Mo Art Society.

The exhibition will commence on Saturday, January 18th, 2014 and will continue its run until Sunday, February 16th, 2014.

Exhibition Date: January 18 to February 16, 2014
Venue: Artemis Art
Opening Hours: 11am to 7pm (Mondays to Saturdays)
                         12noon to 6pm (Sundays & Public Holidays)


Artist Profile

Dennis has Asperger Syndrome, a high functioning autism disorder. He started to doodle and paint when he was five years old. Although his aptitude for painting was obvious, it was impressed on him that he needed a formal education. Thus, he pursued a degree course in graphic design. Upon completing his degree, he worked for two years as a graphic designer, after which he decided to be an artist full time.

He paints in his small studio at home, and is very passionate about his painting, loving every moment of it. Dennis currently works primarily with two mediums: Chinese ink and watercolour on paper, as well as acrylic on canvas. Apart from painting, his other interests include photography and singing.

Heavenly Spring, Chinese Ink and Water Colour on Paper

Lavendar Isle, Chines Ink and Water Colour on Paper

Freedom, Chinese Ink and Water Colour on Paper

Google pays tribute to film-maker Yasmin Ahmad with doodle

Search engine Google today paid tribute to renowned Malaysian film director, writer and scriptwriter, the late Yasmin Ahmad, with a doodle on its homepage logo to commemorate her birthday and achievements.

In a statement, Head of Communications & Public Affairs for Google Malaysia Zeffri Yusof said Google had chosen today to commemorate Yasmin, who had sought to bring together Malaysians of every gender, ethnicity and persuasion through her work.

Google doodles have been produced to celebrate international holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of noted artists and scientists.

A special team of doodlers at Google design the doodles based on the suggestions of Googlers and its users. It is visible to users who visit the www.google.com website.

Zeffri expressed Google's thanks to Yasmin’s family for their permission and approval for the doodle.

Yasmin, who died in 2009, had produced numerous commercials and films in Malaysia, which were well known for their humour, heartwarming message and love which cut across cultural barriers.

Her commercials for national oil giant Petronas for the festive seasons, especially, were much awaited and talked about and won multiple awards both locally and internationally.

In 2008, Yasmin was inducted into the Malaysian Advertising Hall of Fame by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia.

She also directed award-winning movies such as Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf and Talentime.

Yasmin got in a tight spot several times when directing her movies as they depicted events and relationships which were considered a taboo subject by conservative Islamists in Malaysia.

Although it has been four-and-a-half years since her death, Yasmin's work is still fondly remembered by fans and those in the industry and served as a benchmark for many. – January 7, 2014.

Artcube : Making The Mark In Malaysian Contemporary Art Movement

John F. Kennedy once said, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

However, setting the artist free to follow his vision alone is not enough. Azhar Ahmad and Fuad Salleh understand that our artist needs more than freedom in order to excel and to be recognised and acclaimed internationally. Realising this fact, the ex-biochemist and ex-electrical engineer has set up a global platform, a world-class space for Malaysian world-class artist to showcase their art in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Here, in Artcube—they are helping local contemporary artists by organising properly curated shows with proper documentations for the sake of the artist and the art collectors. Azhar and Fuad strongly believe that the purchase of any art must be accompanied by comprehensive knowledge and it is the role of galleries to add values to the artwork by helping the collectors make informed decisions.

The opening of Artcube was launched by Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri on 28th November 2013. In his speech, he applauded Artcube’s effort in marking a new benchmark in the contemporary art scene. According to him, contemporary art is a global phenomenon. Two weeks before the opening of Artcube, an American artist, Jeff Koon broke the record for the most expensive work sold by a living artist at auction. The work, an orange balloon dog, made of stainless steel, was sold at 58 million USD.

Interestingly, in the same week, the world’s largest orange diamond, a spectacular and rare 15-carat diamond, was auctioned at 35 million USD. The orange stainless steel balloon dog comfortably beats the rare orange diamond. This goes to show that human creativity is valued far more than the rarest of gems!

Artcube Gallery features 17 contemporary artists ranging from the established ones, to mid-career artists , and the young ones including Husin Hourmain, Shukri Mohamed, Hamir Soib, Mohd Nor mahmud and Mohd Fazli Othman. The gallery also offers the diverse creative talents of our local artists ranging from paintings, sculptures, wall installation and mixed media.

The space is open to anyone who has a passion for art, and is not simply a venue to purchase works.

For more information regarding Artcube, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ArtcubeIntermark

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Selepas Majlis by Mohd Fazli Othman

Top Gun by Azad Daniel Haris

Gajah by Daud Rahim

2014 CNY Collection: The Beauty of Serendipity by ML x AC

Still thinking of what to wear for this Chinese New Year? Here's a suggestion:

Melinda Looi and Amber Chia has just launched their "ML x AC" Chinese New Year Collection.ML x AC (pronounced “Melinda Looi and Amber Chia”, or “ML and AC”) is one of fashion’s most exciting collaboration this Chinese New Year.

Jointly designed by accomplished fashion designer Melinda Looi and top celebrity model Amber Chia, the collection, titled 緣Yuan: The Beauty of Serendipity, was inspired by the Chinese concept of yuan (缘), described as “the binding force that links two persons together in any relationship”. In English, the word yuan is most closely translated to serendipity, which also means “finding something good without looking for it”.

It is also yuan that brought Melinda and Amber together. The duo, who are now considered industry veterans, have known each other since the early stages of their respective careers in the fashion industry in year 2000.

The collection combines bright, auspicious colours with a variety of fabrics and textures to represent the many faces and personalities of people that touch our lives.

Yuan: The Beauty of Serendipity is a collection that goes beyond typical Chinese New Year offerings. Melinda and Amber designed the collection with the lifestyle of modern day ladies in mind.

From traditional and elegant qipao, youthful dresses with an Oriental touch, and roomy A-lined blouses to modern structured vests and pants suitable for the office – ML x AC carries something to suit any personality or lifestyle requirement. There is even a range of fun, casual polo garments for the entire family consisting of tops for men, women, little boys, and girls, as well as adorable matching mother/daughter polo dresses.

If you are interested in ML x AC Chinese New Year Collection, you can find it in Zalora, the exclusive online partner for the ML x AC collection, which will be the first designer/celebrity Chinese New Year collection to be made available at the online retailer’s websites in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Hong Kong. 

The collection is also available in Parkson Pavillion, Parkson KLCC and the Melinda Looi Showroom at 131, Jalan Maarof, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.