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Art meets conservation in nature-themed exhibition
Artists Yew Souf and Jeremy Lee, Atelier Art Space curator Alan Teh, Malaysian Nature Society president Henry Goh and CK Teh at Teh's exhibition in Petaling Jaya. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Yap Pik Kuan, December 18, 2015.One look at CK Teh's “Starry Starry Night in the Tropics” and you won't be mistaken for seeing elements of Vincent van Gogh in the star-filled sky and dreamy, abstract look.
Yet, the flowy silhouettes of trees and a small wooden boat paints a more familiar local scene.
This is one of the many artworks you'll find at Nada Rimba, a collaborative art exhibition between the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and Atelier Art Space in Petaling Jaya.
Organised in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of MNS, the country's oldest environmental NGO, the gallery features paintings, sculptures and sketches by seven local artists brought together by the common theme of nature.
Apart from artist CK Teh, other local artists whose works will be featured in the exhibition are Tan Gim Che, Yew Souf, Jeffrey Khoo, Jeremy Lee, Nicholas Choong and Shaparel Salleh.
Yew believes that art has a unique way of sending an impactful message on the importance of conservation, and he embraces this message fully with his sculptures.
Artist CK Teh prefers broad strokes to create a dreamy look in his paintings, such as this one called 'Starry Starry Night in the Tropics'. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Yap Pik Kuan, December 18, 2015.In one such sculpture that greets visitors at the door, an elephant and rhino hybrid sits on an old chopping board, making a strong statement about how these animals are in danger of extinction.
“We have to respect nature. If we don't, nature won't respect us,” he said.
At the launch of the exhibition on Thursday, MNS president Henry Goh expressed hope that the appreciation for wildlife in art would extend to a respect and love for real wildlife in the forests.
He said that while MNS believed strongly in the importance of spreading awareness through conservation and education programmes, the government needed to show greater political will to address the degradation of wildlife.
“I think the lawmakers themselves are the ones who should have the will to implement the laws they write,” Goh told The Malaysian Insider.
"We have all the laws to protect the forest and wildlife but why is poaching still happening and the big culprits getting away?
"Essentially it's (lack of) enforcement."
Yew Souf sculptures featured in Nada Rimba primarily make use of steel and wood to show how different elements from nature can work together in harmony. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Yap Pik Kuan, December 18, 2015.Owner and curator of Atelier Art Space, Alan Teh, believes that the change in attitude towards conservation can happen with the right education.
He said the nature-focused Nada Rimba exhibition would hopefully put a spotlight on local flora and fauna and make conservation a topic that was approachable for the common man-on-the-street.
“We are paying more attention to green and sustainable living now compared to the past decade,” said Teh.
“This exhibition is timely, and in tune to what the world is moving towards.”
Those who have a passion for art and nature can check out the artworks on display at Nada Rimba from December 5, 2015 to January 2, 2016.
The pieces are also available for sale, where 20% of the proceeds will be channelled to MNS's operational costs.
The exhibition will be held at Atelier Art Space in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Find out more from their Facebook page.
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