web DeskKUCHING, Three public artworks, produced in conjunction with the Tourism, Art & Culture Fiesta in Simunjan, a town approximately 85 kilometres (km) from here, will be included in the National Art Gallery’s (NAG) Jejak Seni Sarawak (Sarawak Art Trails) website.
NAG director-general Amerrudin Ahmad said the works consisted of a hanging umbrella installation, lobster sculpture and 3D paintings, which are all at the Padang Sentral Simunjan and the event was officiated by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
“This hanging umbrella artwork has been processed by an experienced artist to ensure that it is not commercial in nature but is easy to understand and more artistic,” he said in a statement today.
The hanging umbrella installation that is painted in black, yellow and red to symbolise the Sarawak flag was done to meet the latest trend to promote Simunjan and as an attraction so that the public can take selfies.
The 2.7-metre high lobster sculpture, meanwhile, was built using recycled materials such as discarded metal, plastics and glass bottles sourced from Simunjan and Sadong Jaya.
Amerrudin said the use of recycled materials was to educate society on the importance of caring for the environment by highlighting that discarded items could be turned into something more meaningful and valuable.
According to him, the lobster was chosen because Simunjan is well-known for its freshwater prawns which are mainly sourced from Sungai Batang Sadong and often associated with freshwater prawn-based food.
“Interestingly, the sculptor we appointed is a talented welder who is able to create this kind of work and we have also produced new sculptors among local children,” he said.
Meanwhile, an experienced artist from Peninsular Malaysia was brought in to share experiences with local artists to produce 3D paintings at the foot of Padang Sentral Simunjan.
The subject and concept selection of these artworks are based on the identity, history and uniqueness of Simunjan’s culture.
“This is part of the National Art Gallery’s efforts to support the activities of MOTAC (Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture (so that) locals will produce artworks,” added Amerrudin.
Source: Malaysian National News Agency
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