Langkawi Art Biennale 2014, Malaysia

with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at the Langkawi Art Bienalle 2014.

Art in Migration

Text by Jacky Lynne A. Oiga

October 13, 2014

http://www.mb.com.ph/art-in-migration/

Visual artist and photographer Pinggot Zulueta along with other renowned and up-and-coming Filipino artist come together to represent the Philippines at the Langkawi Art Biennale 2014 (LAB 2014) that opened yesterday and will run until Oct. 21 at the Langkawi Lagoon Resort in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah.

The first Malaysian Art Biennale, LAB 2014 was organized by the ArtMalaysia Association, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia to see out possibilities for expression in contemporary art within the context of Langkawi by showcasing the work of local Malaysian artists and international artists from over 40 countries. It is Malaysia’s first distinguished platform for international dialogue in fine and contemporary art. LAB2014 aspires to offer new exposure for artists, art associations, and businesses, at the same time infusing deeper public engagement with the arts.

With the theme “Migration,” Zulueta, together with Darby Alcoseba, Frank Caña, Rosscapili, Joel Cristobal, Buds Convocar, John Dinglasa, Joel E. Ferraris, Merlito Gepte, Rick Hernandez, Rem San Pedro, Celso Pepito, Fe Madrid Pepito, Simkin de Pio, Jik Villanueva, and Sonia Yrastorza, each came up with three art pieces that reflect cultures that meld together in a constant state of influx. The theme is also symbolic of artists coming together to a new destination that offers nature, beauty, and inspiration.

Among the activities lined up for the 10-day biennale are Peletakan Orang-orang (Interactive Installation of Scarecrows), Gotong-royong Angkat Rumah (an old Malaysian custom where villagers gather to help some move his house, similar, albeit purely literal, to the Filipino concept bayanihan), and the Malaysian and Chinese exhibition “Friendship is Forever.”