MyCreative Ventures: 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