Kita sahaja yang kita ada by Fatah Taib.
Kita sahaja yang kita ada by Fatah Taib.

TENS of millions of people in the world have been impacted by this most infectious disease,

Covid-19. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is hurtful.

Some lives were lost while others risked falling into extreme poverty, losing their jobs as businesses and organisations had to cease operations. There are those who suffer mental

complications because of the pandemic.

Concerned with the well-being of those who have been afflicted by the pandemic and as part of its corporate social responsibility exercise, Galeri Prima (GP) is organising a charity exhibition titled Tribute to Malaysians.

 Sama-Sama by Faiz Dickie VP.
Sama-Sama by Faiz Dickie VP.

In line with the tagline #kitajagakita and Hari Kebangsaan tagline Malaysia Prihatin, GP pays tribute to the sacrifices, contributions and struggles of Malaysians in facing the challenges in this trying time.

GP and the artists have unanimously agreed to contribute a portion of the proceeds to support ZAK-ABIM's 'Kempen Seorang Sekampit Beras — Dana Bangsa Malaysia' initiative.

The proceeds will help to alleviate the sufferings and the burden of the people affected by the

pandemic and will also benefit those who may be affected in the future. "We decided to organise this exhibition as part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives — in essence, this is what Galeri Prima is about: an art gallery with a heart," Media Prima Omnia Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Michael Chan says.

This is reflected in the many ways in which Media Prima has reached out to the community; in helping the physically and financially challenged, in meeting the educational needs of our youth, and in doing our utmost to strengthen the cord that holds Malaysians together. Galeri Prima did something similar during the Morphosis exhibition, in which proceeds were given to Tabung Bantuan Bencana Negara (TBBN).

 Tailored Flag by Verly Veto Vermol.
Tailored Flag by Verly Veto Vermol.

"What we want to highlight is the role the art community plays in contributing to people in need. We do need to remember that the artists themselves are also affected by the pandemic but they agreed to be part of this noble cause," continues Chan.

Meanwhile, Zak Capital Sdn Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak says Zak Capital and Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) partnered to create the Dana Bangsa Malaysia initiative to help struggling Malaysians and small business owners affected by the pandemic.

"We as a collective have a moral responsibility to come together and help our community, regardless of race or religion, when they are in need. It is more crucial than ever for us to act now and lend a helping hand to the most vulnerable. My sincerest appreciation and gratitude go to Galeri Prima and the artists for supporting this initiative. The arts have always been a driving force in community development, and I am looking forward to the success of this exhibition," adds Nazir.

ARTISTS UNITE

 Renungan Pak Belang by Aiman Aisamuddin.
Renungan Pak Belang by Aiman Aisamuddin.

Tribute to Malaysians will see a union of more than 60 young, emerging and eminent artists who will interpret the fighting spirits of Malaysians from their own perspectives. Among the

participating artists are Fauzin Mustafa, Marisa R Ng, Ng Foo Cheong, Johan Marjonid, Zaharin Mohammad, Zaim Durulaman, Abdullah Jones, Ramlan Abdullah, Haslin Ismail, Faizal Suhif, Hirzaq Harris, Ed Roger, and Liu Cheng Hua.

Young and emerging artists such as Aimman Hafizal, Sharlene Lopang, Shahnaz Azlin, Aiman Aisamuddin, Loqman Zainal, Nadzrin Haziq, Fadzril Fakaruddin, SM Raja, Badrulzaman Abu, Hafizuddin Mat Yashim, Faiz Mahdon, Azmi Amran, Aidil Hanafi, Anis Che Mat will join their seniors in this exhibition.

GP hopes to gather the art community, individuals, collectors and corporate bodies in this exhibition and charity drive. Their act of benevolence will not only alleviate the sufferings of the people but also benefits the artists and contributes to the growth of Malaysian art.

It also indirectly will enhance and promote the spirit of unity, togetherness, altruistic and love for the nation.

 Bagai kera mendapat bunga (raya) by Zaim Durulaman.
Bagai kera mendapat bunga (raya) by Zaim Durulaman.

Artist Zaim Durulaman, shares his thoughts on the Independence, by using the Malay idiom, bagai kera mendapat bunga. He explains that gaining independence is a blessing for a country and that the spirit of independence must be nurtured especially among the younger generation so that they know how to appreciate the meaning of a struggle.

"We, as the generation of the post-independence era who are overflowing with the pleasures of life, must understand that they are the result of the hard work of our former fighters who

sacrificed their lives against the colonialists. Appreciating our independence is not just a cry on the lips alone but defending it should be an obligation to each of us. Although we live in a multi -racial country, our spirits and struggles are the same because we are Malaysians," says Zaim.

Zaim goes on to muse: "We are happy to celebrate 64 years of independence but are we aware of the fact that we are still dominated through the influence of culture and thinking that could cause serious social problems? True to the old saying, a pleasure that is bestowed but not appreciated and not defended is the same as kera mendapat bunga. What is the difference between us and monkeys?"

As we celebrate the country's 64th Independence, GP hopes this combined effort will get the

unwavering support of everyone to enable us to contribute to the people in need.

TRIBUTE TO MALAYSIANS

Until 30 September

Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Viewing at Galeri Prima by appointment only.

Closed on weekends and public holidays.