KUALA LUMPUR: The feelings and observations of an artist are immortalised through drawing, sketching and painting on the canvass.
HIGHLIGHTING TALENTS: Mohd Yusof started showing interest in paintings while he was the first secretary at the Malaysian Embassy in Italy. — Bernama photo
Their visual arts capture the compelling images of their time and often serve as the record of a bygone era.
Therefore, it is important to preserve the works of present day artists and to encourage interest in all forms of arts among the younger generation.
This is the view of the National Art Gallery’s new director-general Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad during an interview with Bernama recently.
“Malaysia has many gifted and successful artists. Some of them need attention and assistance to highlight their talents,” he said.
Mohd Yusof, who served with the diplomatic corps for 35 years, himself started showing interest in paintings while he was the first secretary at the Malaysian Embassy in Italy.
As painting is close to his heart, Mohd Yusof is of the opinion that the National Art Gallery that was established 53 years ago has a big role to play in promoting visual arts in the country.
“But it is most unfortunate that many don’t even know the existence of the National Art Gallery in the first place.
“And those on the know about the gallery and visual arts are limited to those with interest in this field and some civil servants,” he said.
Therefore, something needs to be done to promote the art gallery and the interest in visual arts at every level of the society, including school children and visitors to Malaysia.
“Toward this end, we may be holding activities that may be permanently etched in the memories of the public and we are also working out a more catchy acronym for the art gallery,” he said adding that the gallery from time to time rolls out visual arts competition to generate interest on the subject.
Mohd Yusof who had tried his hand on painting under the guidance of a Peruvian artist is seen as the right man in promoting the National Art Gallery and visual arts in the country.
He believes that there is a need for a greater flow of information on the activities of the gallery in promoting visual arts itself.
“This is among my main focus as the new director-general and I’m aware that many have high hopes on me.
“I hope to fulfill their hopes but need the support of all parties and definitely the support of my own staff,” noted Mohd Yusof.
Drawing and painting provides satisfaction for Mohd Yusof and he wants Malaysians to see that the world of visual arts belong to everyone and not being exclusive to any group.
He is also aware that the society’s appreciation for arts is still low and they must be thought to show greater interest.
And speaking of the interest in visual arts, Mohd Yusof pointed out it could be promoted through the education system but it would be easier if a person is talented in this field.
“You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate visual arts. Most of the art collectors are in fact not artist but have keen interest in this field.
Among the ways to generate interest among the locals to appreciate arts is by convincing them that art provides satisfaction and can help beautify their homes.
“Definitely for the average person, purchasing drawings are certainly not a priority.
“It is seen as a luxury and not a necessity. In the list of their necessities, drawing is probably their lowest priority,” he said.
Therefore, Mohd Yusof proposed that the artwork be sold at an affordable price.
“However, this may not be easy because when an artist earns an admirable reputation, the work of art will fetch a high price and this is the reality that we have to accept,” he said.
He also emphasised that children should be encouraged to take up arts including drawing and colouring from very young.
Such approach, he said, would help create an artist who puts his ability into practice or an arts enthusiasts who would definitely help to bring visual arts in the country to greater heights.
“Yes, arts are being taught as a subject but to my mind we have yet to reach the necessary level. It is important to see whether the interest or talent ends when the student leaves school.
“The parents too may not encourage enough their children to take up arts thinking it may not provide a lucrative career.
“In reality the world of visual arts is a highly lucrative one. It could help complement careers like designers, movie making and advertising.
“Therefore if children show talents for arts don’t kill their talents by forcing them into other professions,” he added.
The field of visual arts can be turned into a hobby that provides returns.
In fact, he pointed out artwork could contribute to the national coffers and could be turned into an industry.
The National Arts Gallery assists budding artists and those who want to highlight their talents at the international stage.
“At times we send artists overseas to participate in international exhibitions or help those who want to exhibit their work locally.
“Almost every week we receive numerous request for assistance and a committee will look into it. The assistance will help them to continue with their work.”
On the National Art Gallery, Mohd Yusof noted that though it may have existed over half a century, it only has a collection of 3,500 artwork.
“To me this number is too small for a national art gallery that is slightly more than half a century old now.
“This number must be increased. In its early days, the collectors contributed the artwork for free.
“The government’s allocation to purchase artwork is limited. Therefore, we have to encourage the private collectors and the private sector to donate their collection to the gallery and in return enjoy tax exemption,” he said.
With so much hope and avenue to promote arts in the country, Mohd Yusof is confident of giving a new lease of life for the National Art Gallery, and in the bigger picture the visual arts in the country.
“Think arts when you think of the National Art Gallery,” said Mohd Yusof ending the interview. — Bernama