KUCHING: The story of visual arts and artists in Sarawak is being compiled in a book entitled ‘The Sarawak ArtList, Memoir. Culture. Nature, Art.’
The book, written and compiled by author and Sarawak Handicraft and Souvenir Association president Gerald Goh, was launched at the Saradise Gallery, Jalan Song here yesterday (Dec 30).
It features a total of 56 artists namely, five legendary masters (artists), 15 living masters (artists), 30 active artists, one photographer, two special artists, one young budding artist, one invited artist and Goh as an author.
Present to officiate at the book launching ceremony was outgoing permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Hii Chang Kee.
In his speech, Hii congratulated Goh for making the first move in creating a database of Sarawak visual artists in the form of a physical book.
“This is a very noble initiative to come out with a book documenting the artists. The availability of this database will help the creative industry in Sarawak to identify its industry players and at the same time to introduce the visual artists to other industry stakeholders,” he said.
He also said that MTCP Sarawak is most happy to support the development of visual arts within the state and work hand in hand with the local artists.
“We appreciate the initiative by the private sectors to promote the arts and culture of Sarawak.
“Hence, we also called upon those in the tourism, creative industry and performing arts sector to apply for the state’s Facilitation Fund for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
“In fact, this year under the fund, our ministry among others, has supported seven visual arts programmes; publication of nine books; 17 capacity building workshops; 15 heritage related seminars; four literary arts; and 28 performing arts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Goh said that it has always been his dream and a personal mission to write about art in Sarawak.
“This is my first book, and the journey of writing and compiling this story of visual art in Sarawak started with the hope of encouraging and passing this valuable legacy of our pioneers and masters in art to our children and generations to come.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the artists themselves, to those who directly and indirectly helped in the compilation of the book,” he said.
He also thanked the MTCP Sarawak for the support and generous contribution in funding the book’s publication.
“Born into a family of potters, I have witnessed the evolution of Sarawak arts and crafts at its best.
“The process of these evolutions will evaporate into thin air if no documentation or archiving is initiated. Hence, it is always a wish to evident down these unique Sarawak art chapters and journey as a part of nation building,” he said.
He added following the publication of Volume One of the book, there is at least another fold in a number of artists who are yet to be discovered and featured, whom he will be planning to include in Volume Two of the book.
“With that, I also hope this book will be an encouragement for the Sarawak artists, and the reason to persevere in art in the years to come,” said Goh.
Also present at the event was Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
