HOM Art Trans: CIVILIZATION : Artwork

CIVILIZATION : Artwork

NG SWEE KEAT

My latest works are 6 paintings in oil and acrylic depicting two of the famous tragic characters in the early history of China and among the more popular plays in the traditional Chinese Opera namely Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu and his loyal consort Yu. These two characters were made famous to the world through Chen Kaige’s film ‘Farewell My Concubine’, based on the novel by Lilian Lee. The film starred the late Leslie Cheung and Gong Li. The film was awarded the Cannes Palm d’Or.

Initially, the idea was sparked by the current political tit-for-tat between opposing parties and their supporters in the country. However, it developed into something deeper. I feel that in general, all this power struggles that are being played out in the political arena are like the performances in a Chinese opera. Xiang Yu, also known as Ba Wang was a ruthless and treacherous conqueror, who is courageous but lacks wisdom, which led to his downfall while Consort Yu exemplifies the epitome of loyalty,

The Ba Wang character is actually caught between the struggles of his higher and lower self as represented subtly by the hero and demon characters of the Wayang Kulit that is reflected on his face. The fact the Ba Wang was too ashamed to escape back to his place of birth and committed suicide after losing the battle shows how greed and lust can have destructive ends.

The idea that a life is but a fleeting moment helpless to the ebb and flow of time and circumstances is symbolized by another supporting character from the wayang kulit and the fresh and dried flowers painted on the head dress of the Consort Yu, who had earlier committed suicide to release the burden on Ba Wang before his final battle.

Life is Like a Drama 1

2013 / Oil on canvas / 80 x 100cm / Sold

Life is Like a Drama 2

2013 / Oil on canvas / 94 x 114cm / Sold

Life is Like a Drama 3

2013 / Oil on canvas / 123 x 123cm / Sold

Life is Like a Drama 4

2013 / Oil on canvas / 123 x 123cm / Sold

Life is Like a Drama 5

2013 / Oil on canvas / 144 x 120cm / Sold

Life is Like a Drama 8

2014 / Acrylic on canvas / 183 x 152cm / Sold

Life is Like a Drama 7

2014 / Acrylic on canvas / 100 x 170cm / Rm7000

Life is Like a Drama 6 - Old House

2014 / Acrylic on canvas / 100 x 170cm / Rm7000

NUGROHO HERI CAHYONO

The Industrial Revolution began in England as early as the 18th century. It later expanded to all of Europe, North America and subsequently throughout the world. Its profound impact on the lives of people around the world has been immeasurable. Due to this, the Industrial Revolution has been referred to as a very important starting point for a new chapter in the development of human history.

During the Industrial Revolution, the train was undoubtedly one of the major contributors to the dynamism of this new mechanized era as it provided a reliable form of locomotion that could transport people and goods in vast quantities and over great distances faster and safer. Land-based commercial activities grew increasingly larger which resulted in intense labour demands and subsequently a sharp increase in household income. The advent of the train also saw previously local products becoming more accessible further afield.

In my work, I depict the train as a means that carries with it the waves of change in human civilization. The ebb and flow of human civilisation will continue unabated, maturing and consolidating over the passage of time.

To Enlightenment

2013 / Oil on canvas / 200 x 220cm / Sold

Welcome to the Machine (Collaboration with Michael Downs)

2012 / Oil on canvas / 205 x 242cm / Rm11500

Keretaku Tak Mau Berhenti # 1

2013 / Oil on canvas / 200 x 300cm / Rm11500 (Reserved)

Keretaku Tak Mau Berhenti # 2

2013 / Oil on canvas / 200 x 300cm / Rm11800

Dahulu, Sekarang, Dan Masa yang Akan Datang Kita Tetap Kaya Raya

2012 / Oil on canvas / 170 x 200 / Rm6800 (Reserved)

Adopted Residency (A-RES) is a six-month residency programme designed for young and emerging local artists to start creating their name and building their own career in the local art scene.

The programme emphasizes on committed studio practice that serves as guidance in art direction and technique for the resident artists, fully supervised by HOM Art Trans and guest artists. They will also be exposed to the reality of being a full time artists.

Towards the end of the programme, all the artworks that are produced during the residency will be exhibited for public viewing.

Southeast Asia Art Group Exchanged Residency (SAGER) is a regional residency programme organized by HOM Art Trans (Malaysia), SageJogja (Indonesia) and Projectspace Pilipinas (Philippines).

The exchanged residency takes in artists with at least five years of experience and SAGER enables Malaysian, Indonesian, and Filipino artists to foster and strengthen regional ties, as well as to network and establish a better understanding of their neighbours.

The residency entails 30-days each in Kuala Lumpur, Jogjakarta and Manila. During this time, artists-in-residences not only produce artworks for exhibitions in each city, but also partake in studio visits, gallery and art institution visits, as well as introductions to significant art collectors and art communities.

Aside from these physical dialogues, SAGER also fosters a visual dialogue, as artists from these three countries are encouraged to engage in cross-cultural meditations and to broach new visual languages in their works.

ARTRIANGLE is an exhibition showcasing the latest artworks from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore. With the purpose of increasing the appreciation of art in this region through a more open network of exchange and to further inculcate closer working ties amongst our artists, it aspires to energies a 4-way art dialogue between these countries and inadvertently, adds more excitement to the art scene in Southeast Asia.

ARTIANGLE is also a fund-raising event. Benefits from the sales of the exhibition will be channelled to the MATAHATI Art Fund (MAF).

MAF is an effort that provides funds to support visual artists and help the art scene in general. It will go towards assisting in the welfare of those artists in need, which includes incidences involving natural disasters, accidents and health issues. MAF is also used as a grant for artists to initiate art projects and art activities.

Artaidartist is a social media platform that’s purpose and intention is to introduce and market fine artworks in a series of virtual exhibitions. This platform was initiated in efforts to support artists who have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic, and who have struggled to make ends meet during the continuous implementation of MCO.

Artists whose works are sold will be entitled to fifty percent of the sale of their works, while the remaining fifty percent will be donated to participating artists whose works were not purchased during the showcase. The distribution of profit will not only represent a community of artists coming together in solidarity towards those in financial need, but will also provide support to as many artists as possible..

Artaidartist is an open call that involves all Malaysian visual artists, comprising of young, emerging, and established. Featuring some of their best work, all artworks will be capped between RM500 to RM5000. This special offer which is below the market price, will allow the sale to be more accessible and affordable to a larger pool of art enthusiasts and young collectors.

MEA Award is a biennial competition that honours the most promising young artists in Malaysia. Its main goal is to recognize the country's top emerging talents and to give them the opportunity to break into the local and international art scenes.

The 5 artists with the highest number of votes from a panel of respected juries will receive cash prize, coucher for art materials, 10-day travel grant to a city in Southeast Asia and a showcase of their works.

MEA Award is joint-organized by HOM Art Trans and Galeri Chandan.