Langkawi Becomes Open Canvas For Contemporary Art

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

LANGKAWI, May 13 (Bernama) -- Langkawi has always captivated visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty. Now, the legendary island is unveiling a new charm as an “open-air gallery” through the 29th Bakat Muda Sezaman (Contemporary Young Talent, BMS29) art showcase.

Through a site-specific approach, several artworks are displayed not only within gallery walls but also across public spaces around Langkawi, transforming the island’s landscapes, communities and everyday life into part of the artistic experience for emerging artists.

Among the locations for the artworks are the Kuah public market, Pantai Taman Lagenda, jetty and padi fields of Pulau Tuba, old Kuah hospital, Tasik Teluk Kedak recreational park, Dataran Lang and Jetty Point.

Open to the public until July 26, the exhibition features a wide range of mediums including installations, mixed media, digital art, performances and interactive works, demonstrating how contemporary art can engage deeply with space, nature and local communities.

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National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad said the selection of Langkawi as the exhibition venue is part of an effort to bring art closer to the public, following the expansion of BMS29 beyond Kuala Lumpur and beyond conventional gallery and museum spaces.

According to him, the approach allows young artists to experience firsthand the realities of local communities, as well as the local wisdom that exists throughout the country, while also giving them the opportunity to create works rooted in real locations and communities.

“This indirectly opens up new spaces for the public to see art as something that is not overly exclusive or unfamiliar, but instead closely connected to the lives and experiences of local communities.

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“Today’s artworks are no longer created solely from the comfort of air-conditioned studios. Artists need to go into the field, engage with communities, and reflect the realities of people’s lives and environments,” he said when met recently.

Amerrudin added that the initiative draws inspiration from international examples such as Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Japan, where the site-specific approach succeeded in drawing visitors to the rural area.

“That area previously faced a declining young population, with many elderly residents and limited visitor interest due to weather challenges. Yet the site-specific art approach succeeded in attracting visitors. We are taking inspiration from that model in our efforts to create new artistic attractions and experiences in Langkawi,” he said.

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Meanwhile, artist Suhaimi Fadzir, 60, said Langkawi has its own strengths as an open-air art destination due to its naturally striking landscapes, including beaches and mountain ranges.

Having lived on the island for the past eight years, he said open-space art initiatives also have the potential to evolve into public art if developed strategically through collaborations among local authorities, tourism agencies and the local communities.

“Public art is an essential feature of major cities and reflects urban progress. Langkawi has many suitable locations. If done properly, it could become a major attraction because tourists come to Langkawi in search of unique experiences,” he said.

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Kuah resident Lim It Leang, 70, said programmes like BMS29 could introduce Langkawi’s cultural identity to tourists, especially when the artworks highlight local elements.

“It’s a great initiative because there are so many tourists here. If we create artworks inspired by local culture, it can attract visitors to explore them. To me, that makes Langkawi even more interesting and adds value to the island,” he said.

-- BERNAMA