Indian Artists on Merdeka

Merde-ka a group art exhibition

While the whole country was celebrating Merdeka with musicals, dance, colourful displays and fiestas, for the first time, Malaysian Indian artists spanning three generations – veteran, senior and emerging artists had their works displayed under one roof in the Museum of Asian Art, University of Malaya – to share their insights about Merdeka.

This noble effort was initiated by artists Stephen Menon and Jeganathan Ramachandram, who gave significant inputs for the exhibition and its successful opening on September 3rd, 2016.

The highlight of the show was a short video art documentary, entitled “Cultural Revival” by Jeganathan which portrays the strength of Indian Culture and its important role in society building. It was interesting to listen to the different perspectives of culture from members of the public. The video illustrates the varied views on culture proposed by a cross-section of society from the elderly to high ranking professors, medical doctors, teenagers right up to that of an eight-year-old child.

The art exhibition featured the works of veteran artists, the late T. Selvaratnam, Sivam Selvaratnam and Redza Piyadasa, senior artists, Syed Thajudeen, Eric Peris, Banu Archan, Dr S. Chanthiran, Jeganathan, Stephen Menon, Sivarajah and Jayshree.

The emerging artists who participated in the exhibition included Rohini, Seema Nanoo, Maheswary, Mona, Sandru, Satish, Pavani, Vadivelan and Thilagavathi.

The aim of the show is to bring together Indian artists in Malaysia and open doors for the many who are interested to be part of the local  art scene. The exhibition is opened for public viewing until 13 October 2016.

Story and Picture by M. Maheswary