A general view of the Galeri Puteh exhibition space in September this year, featuring an artwork by Kide Baharudin. The gallery will launch its 'Colours For Gaza' benefit exhibition on Nov 14. Photo: The Star/Azman Ghani
Galeri Puteh in Kuala Lumpur with the support of Malaysian contemporary artists and poet friends are organising an art exhibition this month titled Colours For Gaza as a sign of solidarity for the Palestinian people.
The show, an independent initiative, will take place at Galeri Puteh, KL Eco City Mall from Nov 14-21.
Galeri Puteh director Mohd Nizam Rahmat said the exhibition's main aim is to raise funds for humanitarian aid as well as to convey a message and raise awareness on the plight of the Palestinian people.
"This exhibition also aims to create a space for dialogue and understanding between communities through art and colour as a medium to communicate," said Nizam.
"Artists have a strong role in shaping perceptions and emotions. This is because each artwork conveys a message and emotion, thus reflecting the group's continued support for humanitarian efforts in Palestine," he added.
More than 60 artists from all over the country, including painters, poets and performing artists will be involved in the Colours For Gaza exhibition, which will also have a public programme to engage the masses.
The artists, featuring a multi-generational line-up, include Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim, Juhari Said, Jailani Abu Hassan, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Awang Damit, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Faizal Suhif, Stephen Menon, Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Kide Baharudin, Samsuddin Wahab, Rafiee Ghani, Suddin Lapo, Haslin Ismail, Xin Yen Nooy and Ika Sharom.
For the live showcase at the gallery (date yet to be announced), Intan Rafiza, who is set for a performance art piece, will be joined by poets-writers, including Jack Malik, Hafiz Hamzah, Faisal Tehrani, Jaymani Sevanathan and Wani Ardy.
"The line-up is still growing. The programmes are also being finalised. We are still receiving enquiries about the exhibition, but the gallery can only put up so many artworks. However, we will try to fit in a few more artists. It is a positive sign to see so many artists and people from the arts community wanting to be a part of this exhibition," says Nizam.
The gallerist added 40% of the proceeds from the sale of artworks and sponsorships will be contributed to the Palestinian aid fund in collaboration with legitimate humanitarian organisations to be determined later.
"It is important for us to choose the appropriate channel to ensure that the aid reaches those who need it. This effort, to some extent, will help ease the burden and suffering borne by the Palestinian people at this time.
"Although planned within a short period of time, we hope to raise funds of up to RM100,000. We need solid support from all parties to make this exhibition a success," he said.
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