Covering an event and writing it for my cousin

Sunday December 18, 2011

Heritage through art

By KATHERINA MARIE
educate@thestar.com.my

TANJONG Plc celebrated the nation’s rich cultural history through its annual Tanjong Heritage Art Competition for the 11th year running recently.

Students from higher learning institutions in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang participated in exploring and interpreting the diverse legacy of Malaysia through their artwork.

The company’s chairman Datuk Robert Cheim said, “It’s a pleasure that after a decade, the competition is growing strong showing our commitment to the preservation of our nation’s treasured past which showcase our heritage.”

“Our heritage is an irreplaceable source of inspiration and it is vital to pass this appreciation on to future generations,” he added.

Ahmad Hisyamuddin showing off his winning artwork.

The competition was divided into five categories — namely oil and acrylic; charcoal, pencil and ink; water colour; print-making and mixed media.

It attracted a total of 1,168 entries from 17 institutions.

Only 20 pieces of artwork were shortlisted to win prizes. The first, second and third prize winners received cash prizes of RM 3,000, RM 2,000 and RM 1,000 respectively.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam student Ahmad Hisyammuddin Abdullah stole the show, winning first prize in both the oil and acrylic and mixed media categories.

He also received the consolation prize in the charcoal category.

Ahmad Hisyammuddin took home a total of RM 6,300 for his art, which told a story of his childhood in his hometown of Marang, Terengganu. His paintings depicted a tale of his parents selling traditional cakes to support the family as well as his own hardship of being the youngest of 10 siblings..

The budding artist said, “I cherish my heritage and I wanted to portray the importance of this treasure that I grew up with.”

“I really miss it, and that is why my drawing is about my dad, who is also a handicraft man. He is my biggest inspiration and also the reason of my success today,” he added.

Equator Academy of Art, Penang student Gayahthri Asokan who won first place in the print-making category said, “Art is something that makes me feel beyond everything. It shows us what we can’t see and what we wish to see from a different perspective.”

“I draw to show something out of the ordinary,” she added.

Meanwhile, Alfa College student Lee Kar Yun took home the first prize in the water colour category. The other proud winners were Diu Su Thao, Sik Ming Hong, Syafiqah Rosli, Suhaila Suhaimi, Mohd Khiruddin, Chong Soon Leong, Soon Mei Ling, Tan Yan Yao, Khor Ah Chin, Teoh Yi Ming, Wan Hanisah Wan Mat, Allyson Koay, Tan Kar Men, Loh Jia Yee, Jonathan Abel, Saw Siao Hoon, Tan Fwu Long and Soon Mei Ling.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2011/12/18/education/10043521&sec=education