Malaysian artist Latiff Mohidin’s life work has been discussed extensively within national and, to some extent, regional frameworks, yet his contribution to global modernism remains understudied. This publication seeks to address this gap, positioning the artist within Berlin art circles of the 1960s as well as the cultural, political and art historical milieus of Southeast Asia. Besides presenting in full colour and rich detail 81 works from Latiff Mohidin’s critically acclaimed Pago Pago series, it also features an anthology of texts that discuss the artist’s painterly and poetic practice. These are further accompanied by an extensive interview with Latiff Mohidin that took place over a two-year period.
What is modernism in Southeast Asia? What is modern art, as embodied in the paintings of Southeast Asia? These questions and more are answered in Reframing Modernism: Painting from Southeast Asia, Europe and Beyond, published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name. Featuring 217 works, in full colour, by 51 Southeast Asian and European artists, from the Centre Pompidou and National Gallery Singapore, as well as other Southeast Asian collections in the region and beyond, this catalogue tells the compelling story of modernism as it developed across continents, and reveals artists' powerful, and sometimes surprising, responses to modernity.
Progressive societies place emphasis on the holistic development of its people in the cultivation of mind, body, soul and spirit. Throughout history, great civilizations are marked not only by material wealth but also the flourishing of artistic and cultural expressions. PETRONAS’ role as custodian of the country’s oil and gas resources encompasses its mission to develop and add value to Malaysia’s petroleum assets while contributing to the wellbeing of the people and nation. In support of this principle of holistic development, PETRONAS is privileged to play its part in supporting arts and culture through GALERI PETRONAS as part of its greater commitment to the development of people of Malaysia. In this respect, GALERI PETRONAS as an important icon in the Malaysian art landscapes, provides crucial arts engagement platform for Malaysian artists and audiences. Since its inception GALERI PETRONAS has given continuous support for the development of emerging Malaysian artists, art practices and expertise in art support infrastructure. PETRONAS believe that by uplifting our Malaysian heritage of arts through GALERI PETRONAS, we would inspire Malaysians to greater appreciation and awareness of the beauty and value inherent in our own artistic heritage. We also encourage the appreciation of arts and culture from different societies, as our philosophy centers on the promotion of a holistic individual and a progressive society able to interact as a global citizen. Therefore, our arts and culture programmes promote the sharing of traditions of various peoples and timeframes – blending East and West, modern and traditional. Arts and culture are dynamic elements, and while we seek to preserve them in their pure and authentic state, we also work to develop a new generation of practitioners who refine and find new applications for the arts, to create political and social awareness, for healing and wellness, to spark creativity, intelligence and imagination; to promote unity and harmony through greater understanding of our cultural identities and appreciation of the beauty in each other’s customs and traditions. In this manner, the PETRONAS Art Collection has brought together traditional and contemporary artworks by established and emerging Malaysian artists and artworks of different mediums, such as textiles, crafts, sculptures, paintings, and photography, which are displayed and documented to create awareness and develop appreciation of the richness of Malaysian visual arts. Over the last few decades the PETRONAS corporate art collection has grown considerably to include works from Malaysia’s modern masters and as a corporate gallery, it would be a difficult and challenging undertaking to exhibit our complete collection to the public and art enthusiast. With the publication of the book; Convergence: Past, Reality and Future, it is hoped that we are able to widen the accessibility of our PETRONAS Art Collection to the people. Equally important is the pursuit of art development in Malaysia. A key component to this endeavour is the research and writing efforts that culminates into a book publication. These scholastic efforts in turn greatly assist the students of art where the publication will serve as a repository for future references and hopefully new knowledge. PETRONAS wishes to add our contribution through the publication of Convergence: Past, Reality and Future to this noble and sustainable cause. We hope that the publication Convergence: Past, Reality and Future will further make art in its various forms more accessible to the general public and will touch the lives of Malaysians from all walks of life, and nurture a more sophisticated, culturally-aware and enlightened society. It is also our hope that the publication would be a good addition to the growing publication on Malaysia fine arts. Lastly, the book is our effort to recognize the Malaysian artistic talents and salutes these artistic standards that have grown in tandem with the growth of Malaysia as a nation.
This Festschrift engages in the richness and variety of literatures and cultures of the Malay world, and goes beyond its shores to encounters between different cultures and traditions, and to the relationship between literary and other disciplines. Rainbows of Malay Literature and Beyond communicates the absorbing richness of inter-disciplinary study and knowledge.
