Solo Exhibition on Masks of Long Ago

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia - Focus on the mask, painting and sculpture, Mohd Shaari Salleh, 43, said,  hoping his first solo exhibition at the Museum Art Gallery would  expose the  younger generation to masks used during the olden days.

He said masks were used by the people of Borneo during  spiritual occasions or harvest  festivals to obtain  blessings from God.

“During the olden days, ancestors  used mask in their spiritual practice to ensure their harvests would be bountiful as well as to protect their village from bad elements,” he said.

Therefore, during the month long exhibition at the Museum Art Gallery in December, he hoped he could share his artwork with the people, especially among art lovers.

“It is part of an effort to keep the culture of the people in Borneo intact because some of them are facing extinction.

“Through this exhibition, I hope we can create an awareness on the importance of protecting the culture and heritage of the people of Borneo,” he said.

“There are ten mask sculptures and ten paintings being exhibited at this solo exhibition,” he added.

According to Shaari, all his artworks  use the identity of the people of Borneo whether in his sculptures or painting.

“In sculpture,  I will take the motif and pattern and then present them in  a contemporary form.

“Every mask has an art value to ensure it is attractive.

“In the past years, masks could only be found in wood form but now I have come out with a new medium to ensure it would be more presentable and durable.

“To ensure my paintings are durable I use acrylic and gesso on canvas,” he said.

Source: http://www.theborneopost.com

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