Precious Moment III by Li Geng Min, Art WeMe Contemporary Gallery (Malaysia)
It is that time of the year! October 12 to 15 marks the return of the yearly art fair that is known as Art Expo Malaysia. Celebrating its 11th edition this year, this highly anticipated event has been regarded as the largest, most significant visual art exhibition, which is also the longest-running art fair in Southeast Asia. Continuing its tradition, Art Expo Malaysia Plus (2017) will be held at Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC) in Kuala Lumpur and is expected to feature approximately 2,000 pieces of artworks by 60 established and reputable art galleries or groups from as many as 30 countries. The displays will include paintings, sculptures, installations and photography of various styles, expressions and mediums.
Being the host nation, Malaysia is represented by the largest delegation made from a healthy blend of famed exhibitors and newcomers in the art scene, representing over 100 local artists. Conventionally exhibits from Malaysia have garnered much attention from art collectors and connoisseurs and this year will be no different with a line-up that includes Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, Masterpiece Auction (Tiny Rose Gallery), Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery, A2 Gallery, Artseni Gallery, Art WeMe Contemporary Gallery, City Art Gallery, Core Design Gallery, G13 Gallery, Gallery des Artistes, Jeth Art Gallery, NN Gallery, Pelita Hati Gallery Of Art, Taksu, The Print Room, V’ Art Space, Yahong Art Gallery, etc.
Regionally, Southeast Asian countries participating in Art Expo Malaysia Plus (2017) are being represented by Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Our southern neighbour, Singapore, forms the second largest exhibitor group at the event with six participating galleries, which includes the esteemed Art Xchange Gallery, ArtBlue Studio, Art Porters, Maya Gallery, Gnani Arts, and White Space Art Asia.
Summer’s Vale by Wang Yan Hui, White Space Art Asia (Singapore)
It is also common that galleries in Singapore to represent artists of various nationalities. Art Xchange Gallery mainly represents Indonesian artists; ArtBlue Studio mainly represents Vietnamese artists; Art Porters represents Singaporean artist and Indonesian artists, as well as Artheline (duo comprising husband-and-wife French artist Arnaud Nazare-Aga and Filipino artist Adeline) that is famous for their colourful, bright sculptures inspired by the gentle roundness and sensual lines, with the aim of providing audiences the joy, pleasure, amusement, cheerfulness and optimism.
Art Expo Malaysia Plus (2017) will also welcome participants from other Asian countries like Hong Kong’s Chit Fung Art (Top-notch Chinese ink masters), along with Japan’s LSD Gallery, Gallery UG and newcomer Satelites Art Lab. This year, Taiwan will also be debuting at the exhibition with its 92-year-old Taiwanese Chinese ink Grandmaster Professor Li Chi Mao. Other debutants include Galerie Bruno Massa from France, X Espacio from Mexico as well as Lethbridge Gallery from Australia.
If you are a regular at Art Expo Malaysia, you will be thrilled to know that crowd favourite, Spain’s ATR Gallery, is set to return with its 11th participation in 11 years since the Art Expo’s inception in 2007. Apart from that, there will also be a Cultural Exchange section that is joined by 12 Embassies including Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Romania, Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Mongolia, Iran and Jordan, where each Embassy will present one selected solo artist from its country.
Last but not least, Art Expo Malaysia does not charge any entrance fee and is one of the most public-friendly art fair in the world as part of its efforts to drive the development of local art scene as well as art appreciation in the country. So, be sure to check out this 4-day international event at MECC!
Contact Art Expo Malaysia at +603 7728 3677.
The Ink by Gao Xiaoyun, Art WeMe Contemporary Gallery (Malaysia)