BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) “Spectacle 2015: Art & Design Graduation Show” has so far attracted over 600 visitors, some of them expressing amazement over the array of art and design creations on exhibit by 54 final-year students of the Art and Creative Technology (ACT).

Nina Zainal, Head of Public Relation of Spectacle 2015, told The Brunei Times that a total of 645 visitors have come since it was opened last April 8.

“They came from various organisations and schools and we are expecting more visits,” she said.

Professor Kong Ho, associate professor of art and programme leader of Creative Arts and Communication (CAC), said that Spectacle 2015 showcases the students’ unique story and creative art concepts.

“These stories or concepts are told through well-executed original paintings, murals, sculptures, photographs, videos, computer graphics, animations, product designs and mixed media installations," he added.

“This graduate exhibition proves how contemporary art and design can be a valuable component for connecting together this young generation's concerns through powerful visual art expressions,” said Dr Martie Geiger-Ho, senior lecturer for the CAC programme.

The exhibition involves a tapestry of themes, including natural beauty, ethical values, personal suffering and growth, preservation of nature and animal protection, family values, and imaginative video animation.

Visitors interviewed by The Brunei Times said the exhibit seems “like opening up a treasure chest of artistic wonders”.

“Everyone here is very creative. I really salute their hard work. It is an amazing art gallery,” Melissa Salleh said.

“I look forward to seeing more artworks being displayed. I think these people need more exposure,” she said after viewing different exhibits such as photographs, paintings, sculptures and various other creative works.

Salleh expressed optimism “that with their talents, Brunei artists can help in the development of the country.”

For her part, Sian Ai Li said, “The inspirations behind [the artworks] and media used were explained clearly, which made the experience more fulfilling. Many had messages to convey or personal stories to share while still retaining their local roots”.

“It was wonderful to discover we have many talented artists in Brunei,” she added.

The 2015 Spectacle is organised by the ACT programme of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).

The exhibit is open to the members of the public, especially to schools and organisations.

The artworks are displayed at the Chancellor Hall and the new Art Studio of the faculty.

The exhibit will run until May 16. It is open to the public from 9am to 7 pm.

The Brunei Times