18@8 is an art exhibition synonymous with Wei-Ling Gallery. For the past four years, prominent and inspirational household names have graced the event with visually compelling works. This exhibition has also been showcased abroad to highlight Malaysian contemporary art. Staying relevant to the current trends of Malaysian Art, the gallery in this installment is pleased to present the most talked about topic in the local context.<

1Malaysia is a term introduced by the 6th Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when he took office as the country’s premier. An effort to promote national unity, this term is undoubtedly the talk of town, a slogan gaining popularity and transcending the oft repeated Malaysia Boleh of yester years. Evaluating the topic of unity and searching for deeper meanings to what it means for Malaysians, how do artists construct and define the 1Malaysia concept? The investigation to address the issues and to look beyond 1Malaysia as a terminology results in attempts to understand and find a common ground for multiculturalism.

In this exhibition, the 1Malaysia concept is injected with the importance of public transport for all regardless of race and religion. People in urban and sub-urban areas generally need transport to move around. We are united in our need for transport, be it buses, taxis, trains or planes. Transportation is among the few modes that unite everyone and creates unity in its utilization.

Artists on board this significant exhibition are Anurendra Jegadeva, Chee Way, Chin Kong Yee, Choy Chun Wei, Hasanoor, Haslin Ismail, Ivan Lam, Jeganathan Ramachandran, Umibaizurah Mahir, Kim Ng, Liew Kung Yu, Mun Kao, Nor Azizan Paiman and Yau Bee Ling. A mixture of young and established artists, the visual dialogue permeate proclivity in artistic development.

This installment of 18@8 showcases highly enticing and individualistic approaches working within a similar theme. To break the boundaries of working within 2-dimensional mediums, the artists have taken the challenge to work beyond the confines of the canvas, or painting. This marks an opportunity for viewers to see different facets and the versatility of the artists embracing fresh approaches, similar to the public’s newness to the concept of 1Malaysia.

Bundles of surprises are aplenty with each artist presenting spanking new art works executed with notions of moving beyond the canvas. In tandem with the whole idea of bringing art to the public, the gallery is planning for upcoming events in conjunction with the exhibition.