The local arts scene receives a post-MCO boost as yet another exhibition has been announced, this time by contemporary abstract artist Peisy Ting who has unveiled her first solo show called Transcendence – A Visual Exploration of Self . This intriguing collection explores the sense of doubt and uncertainty that was palpable in the last few months.
Taking place at Zhan Art | Space gallery until the end of next month, Transcendence also looks at the role of an artist intent as it is re-evaluated in contemporary art post-pandemic. Peisy’s works effortlessly capture this sentiment, her paintings a message of life’s fleeting moments.
She drew inspiration from the widespread concern brought upon by the worldwide pandemic, making use of striking colours and shapes to convey her interpretation of the feelings of isolation and lack of surety felt by the vast majority of people. Viewers are taken on a vivid journey of the artist’s self-reflection during the time.
Art In The New Normal
Peisy was also on the Making Sense of The ‘New Normal’: Art in Transition panel discussion hosted by Zhan Art | Space. Joining her were Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Said, Founding Coach and Mentor of Young Art Entrepreneurs National Art Gallery Malaysia, and Dr Tong Gin Chee, Co-founder of Zhan Art | Space, while Sharmilla Ganesan, Presenter at BFM89.9 of the arts show The Front Row moderated. They tackled the topic of freedom of expression while advocating the importance of arts and culture and how it enriches society during the ‘New Normal’.
“We see artists trying to produce responsible art, not censored art, and that contradicts a culture of critical thinking further impeding the development of arts in Malaysia. Having a dialogue on the freedom of their expression and if artists are worthy of protection is important for us to understand what’s at stake for the Malaysian art scene after the pandemic,” said Dr Tong Gin Chee, Co-founder Zhan Art | Space.
Prof Dr Abdul Rahim said, “The abolition of ‘Art’ as a subject in secondary schools during the 1970s deprived young Malaysians of an opportunity to understand and appreciate art. Not given a priority in the regular curriculum, art has been consigned to the status of an extra co-curricular activity.
“That has partly handicapped a significant number of young Malaysians when it comes to art appreciation. This has indirectly affected the growth and development of the art industry in the country. With the recent abolishment of early streaming in our education system, we look forward to a more open and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, on the preservation of the arts in schools, to offer future generations of Malaysians with a more well-rounded and balanced education.”
Transcendence – A Visual Exploration of Self can be viewed at Zhan Art | Space until September 27, 2020.
Transcendence – A Visual Exploration of Self
WHERE Zhan Art | Space The School, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
WHEN 11am-7pm (until Sept 27)
TEL 012 291 4053
zhanart.my