National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur - An Encounter

In my last entry, I talked about a particular show and touched on the gallery shop. Here, I would like to record my views about the rest of my thoughts about the place, from its architecture, other exhibits, and in general, the feelings that I gleaned from the running and works of the place.

The exterior architecture should have been designed in harmony with its neighbouring institutions, presenting a combined view of togetherness in the spirit of art and culture. The N.A.G. is, after all, a short walk away from the National Theatre - Istana Budaya and not very far from the National Library. These buildings reflects what Malaysian government throughout our modern history has always been obsessed with, an injection of small to large doses of Islamic, Malay or otherwise 'indigenous' cultures of the Malay archipelago.

These ancient art forms and skills are unique in itself and is possible to be combined successfully modern building technology to create beautiful structures, as can be seen from the many beautiful homes of the wealthy or well-off people of Malaysia who has managed to infuse the influence of such Asian architectural sensibilities into their utterly modern homes.

The N.A.G. falls somewhat short, which is something that befalls most recent ventures of our humble nation. It neither gave off a distinctly Asian or Malaysian look, nor does it challenge any artistic aesthetics, it is just, how should I put it, another building? Yeah, with a mural painted on a long wall and some totem pole lookalike that I can't even recall as being the ancient artform of any indigenous people. Surely, even the Lembaga Tabung Haji's building is more distinctive and forward thinking than this and the mural on the National Museum is more meaningful and beautiful than this?

So, the exterior is not breathtaking, what about the interior? My first impression upon laying my eyes on the central atrium is - hey, this place seems to be modelled after the Guggenheim in New York City! As I walk the hallways, it dawns on me that it is a rather poor attempt at a copy. While the Guggenheim's circular hallways conveys a feeling spaciousness (within the limited space it actually occupy on a tiny corner of 5th Avenue) and continuity, the N.A.G.'s version gives off a 'I'm telling you just how artistic I am by doing this.' vibe.

According to their official website and blog, they have a new exhibition commencing in two days, and one planned to run from October through to January of next year. Which means that for the upcoming 6 months, there will be an average of 1 temporary exhibition running at any time, with the exception of August 10 to August 30 because Mosaics of Malaysia will be running at the same time as Tampannya Budi.

For an organisation so rich in space, their website lists seven exhibition rooms and three open areas, they certainly do not seem to make full use of it all. On my short visit, I saw what I think is the only permanent show there, a photography based journey into the memories of photographers, from the days when there were only b&w or sepia looking prints though to 2008.

Then there was this... make of it what you will, for besides the medium, which is tied to our daily life (perhaps not so much today but was definitely so in yesteryears), I could not discern any rhyme or reason from its design, is it a batik shirt?

It made me begin to wonder, doesn't the N.A.G. own any painting(s) noteworthy enough to be made permanently exhibited? Doesn't the N.A.G. state in their mission that their aim is to help inspire the young artists of tomorrow? Should they not be pushing forward in supporting local artists that are worthy of recognition, people who are contributing to the development of the arts and culture.

Most importantly, since Malaysia is not yet so developed a market for the arts, shouldn't they be forging ahead and blazing a path as yet untread so that one day, young Malaysians will be as proud of it as how New Yorkers feel about Museum Mile, and Londoners feel about the Tate Galleries? Ah, well.