USM PENANG, 12 July 2023 - The School of the Arts (SOTA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is proud to present ‘Journey: A Fine Art Showcase’, an extraordinary exhibition that takes viewers on a visual expedition through the annual Research Innovation Towards Integration and Sustainability (RINTIS) showcase, from 10 July until 23 September 2023.

Held at the USM Muzium and Galeri Tuanku Fauziah, the main objective of RINTIS 2023 is to act as a professional platform for design students from the USM School of the Arts (SOTA) in showcasing their creative talents. 35 final-year students from the Fine Art department presented their creative work, while providing opportunities for them to exercise their hard and soft skills in a well-rounded manner within a professional setting and providing first-hand experience to the students. At the same time, the exhibition is also meant to share the knowledge of the human experience as a basis of information for USM students, staff and communities, those from other institutions of higher learning, schools, and other targeted audiences.

The theme ‘Journey’ was chosen to represent an exploration of the diverse paths we take throughout our lives, highlighting the transformative power of personal growth, resilience, and increasing self-discovery, that showcases a collection of artworks that delve into personal representations of events and experiences throughout life's many journeys, and that which explores the various emotions that have been stored and expressed through artwork.

The inspiration for this exhibition lies in two literary works namely, ‘Tulang-Tulang Berserakan’ by Usman Awang and ‘Bait Senandung Malam’ by Siti Zainon Ismail, from which each participating student would engage his or her creativity in relating to these chosen pieces of literature into their artwork.

The Fine Art Exhibition provides a captivating artistic journey for visitors, fostering a deeper connection with the inherent beauty and complexity of life.

Present at the officiating ceremony was the USM former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan.

Faisal Rafiq in his officiating speech said that the artworks displayed represent dreams, emotions and stories, whereby each piece offers a unique narrative and embraces the power of imagination.

“In USM, we have talents and there is a lot of platform that we can merge between the sciences and the arts to create something that is wonderful and significant,” said Faisal Rafiq.

He then continued his speech by reading a poem by Marcel Proust, “The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes,” which highlights the meaning of the ‘new lenses’ from which we can use to look at the world.

“It provided me with a different lens to look at things and I am sure that today, this ‘Journey’ of discovery is about looking at the landscape from the artists’ lenses. Through this exhibition, you can feel what they saw, what they enjoyed about this ‘Journey’ and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the artworks,” he added.

According to SOTA Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Sarena in her speech said that, it is hoped that this exhibition has provided the experience of growth and journey to the students, and which symbolises the exploration of uncharted territories, both external and internal.

Meanwhile, Project Fine Art Showcase 2023 Advisor, Dr. Tetriana Ahmed Fauzi in her speech said this year students have been very ambitious in terms of producing artwork, innovative and very diligent in presenting their projects for the showcase and it is hoped that this showcase will lead to more opportunities, beneficial experiences and meaningful connection between the artists, audience, families and friends.

Various mediums displayed in this exhibition include paintings, prints, sculptures, installations, photography, video art, interactive art and mixed media, in order to ensure an engaging and optimal visual experience for the attendees.

Each artwork in this exhibition tells a unique story, inviting visitors to embark on their own reflective journey while connecting and interacting with the artworks. From bright abstract compositions to intricate figurative works, "Journey" celebrates limitless creativity that flourishes in the world of art.

To enhance the exhibition experience, the team will also host a series of engaging events, including Art Talks, Silkscreen Workshop, Ceramic Workshop, Batik Workshop, Cyanotype Workshop, DPI Spray Paint Workshop, ‘Malam Hati Celik’, Open Studio, Art Sales, and Art Market at certain days and times. These opportunities will provide visitors with a deeper insight into the creative processes behind the artworks and foster a sense of connection between the artists and the community.

  

Also present were the MGTF Acting Director and Curator, Afzanizam Mohd Ali; MGTF Guest Artist, Associate Professor Dr. Hasnul Jamal Saidon; Project Fine Art Showcase 2023 Curators, Kuay Zi Wei and Ooi Yong Hui; and principal officers of USM.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa