A+ WORKS of ART presents the first exhibition in its physical space since the easing of lockdown measures, under the aptly titled group showcase, Back To Art. The opening of this exhibition also coincides with the launch of the gallery’s online viewing portal and a new project dubbed A+ Online Festival of Video Art which opens mid-July.
Back to Art is a ‘work in progress’ style project with new work being added to the exhibition as and when it’s completed. Over the past few months many artists have struggled to acquire the necessary materials or the production assistants often needed to produce their art so this exhibition will launch with what is currently ready and give those still working a chance to display their work when it’s finished.Droplets – After Delacroix by Agus Suwage
The artists involved in Back to Art hail from all around Southeast Asia, bringing a variety of styles and mediums to the exhibition.
From Indonesia comes the renowned Agus Suwage whose work has been exhibited at numerous international biennales. He explores the relationship between himself and the world at large, adding perspective as he looks at how subjects and events interrelate.
His countryman Ugo Untoro joins him, an artist credited with elevating contemporary art in Indonesia to new levels. With a background in graffiti, he brings raw and spontaneous elements to his artwork which has been part of group exhibitions in America, China, France and Vietnam.
Hanoi-based artist Hà Ninh Pham, known for looking at ways in which we construct an understanding of territories from afar, is part of the contingent. Also from Vietnam comes Do Thanh Lang who works on the premise that emotion is necessary to art and needs to be “captured and flourished”.
Re-Archived Image RA 01 by Phuan Thai Meng
Malaysia’s own Azizan Paiman makes his mark at the exhibition; his work is influenced by the rapid changes in Malaysia’s social, cultural, political and economic landscape, referring to himself as a “backdated reporter” for his frequent references to news.
Penangite Chan also joins the showcase, as does Kuala Lumpur-born artist Chong Kim Chiew, Kelantanese artist Noor Mahnun Mohamed and Roslisham Ismail from Kota Bharu who have each had their work exhibited around the world.
A special piece by Bostonian Ray Langenbach, currently the Professor of Creative Arts at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, will be part of the exhibition. Called Virion, the piece focuses on the current pandemic as its subject matter and comprises 84 unused face masks that have been coated with seeds of the Malaysian Sandbur grass – symbolising the invisible Covid-19 particles. 
Virion by Ray Langenbach
Each piece is available at RM100 per mask with all proceeds being donated to Tenaganita (tenaganita.net), a local Malaysian NGO that promotes and protects the rights of women, migrant workers and trafficked persons.
Other artists on display include Yim Yen Sum (Malaysia), Ugo Untoro (Indonesia), Tawatchai Puntusawasdi (Thailand), Tan Zi Hao (Malaysia), Samsudin Wahab (Malaysia), Phuan Thai Meng (Malaysia), Mella Jaarsma (the Netherlands), Ho Rui An (Singapore), Gan Siong King (Malaysia) and Chan Kok Hooi (Malaysia).
New norms have been implemented at the gallery to ensure the healthy and safety of all visitors, including viewings by appointment only so make sure to call ahead. Only one set of visitors will be allowed in the gallery at once, be it a single person or small group of up to four persons who are already living together.
It’s time to start visiting galleries again and seeing art in the flesh as it were. Get back into it with Back to Art today!
A+ WORKS of ART
Where d6-G8, d6 Trade Centre, 801 Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
When 12pm-7pm (Tues-Sun; by appointment only). Exhibition runs until 11 August
Tel 019 915 3399 (Joshua Lim)
aplusart.asia