KUCHING: A sanctuary for the ‘unsung’ artists has been proposed for the arts community in Sarawak.
According to Josephine June, the youngest daughter of renowned artist, the late Raphael Scott Ahbeng, Sarawak needs a sanctuary to preserve the works of local artists.
“It could be like The Tate Gallery in England or the Louvre in Paris, how they actually display arts of all the artists throughout the years,” she said when met by reporters at St Joseph’s Cathedral funeral parlour during the wake for her late father.
She said that in hopes of continuing her father’s legacy, “I will talk to the relevant agency so that we can preserve our heritage in arts because I think our state needs a sanctuary for us to actually preserve our local artists’ works.
“At the moment, the artists are doing everything on their own in their own ways.
“As a daughter of a very senior artist, I have observed the arts scenario. Currently, we are in need of government support to have a sanctuary like a museum,” she said.
June hoped to gather all the ‘unsung’ artists to spearhead the project. She also hoped to talk to the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg about the matter in time to come.
“Art is a very important thing and I will try my best to work with the Sarawak Museum and collaborate with many other artists in the state towards this project,” said June, who is an artist herself.
When asked whether she will donate her dad’s art pieces for display, she replied; “I am looking more towards putting it on loan, for all the young budding artists to view and perhaps inspire them to kick start their hobby or career. However, we will consider if there are interests from the state government to purchase my father’s arts for a good cause.”
Raphael passed away on Sunday and will be cremated today at the Nirvana near Bau. His ashes will be kept in the columbarium at St. Peter’s church here.
