Different lives, one purpose: coming together through art

One helped shape the nation’s trade policies. Another rediscovered a love for art after years in the corporate world. The youngest creates paintings by tapping his wrist and palm against canvas.

Their lives could hardly be more different, yet at “Art4Good: Painting from the Heart“, they are united by a common purpose: using art to make life a little easier for someone else.

Former international trade and industry minister Rafidah Aziz is among six artists contributing to the exhibition, which she launched on Wednesday at Bangsar Shopping Centre.

Alongside her was principal artist Yeow Teck Chai, former deputy director-general of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, whose passion for painting has now fuelled four charity exhibitions.

They were joined by Oon Soon Keat, who rediscovered oil painting while working in Shanghai, and Yoon Chooi Wan, a former corporate professional whose return to art led her to Chinese brush painting.

Completing the group were Tan Ken Ming, who has Asperger’s syndrome, and Winsen Loke, who has global developmental delay.

Each brings a very different perspective to the canvas – but all are using their work to contribute to something larger than themselves.

The exhibition is raising funds for the Free Food Society (FFS) and the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH).

FFS needs about RM300,000 annually for its programmes in Desa Rejang, Setapak, which provides food aid to 85 B40 families and tuition to more than 100 primary and secondary schoolchildren.

SSMH, meanwhile, requires approximately RM400,000 a year to sustain its centre in Sea Park, Petaling Jaya, where children with severe disabilities receive support to develop essential skills and greater independence.

With FMT as its media partner, Art4Good features more than 120 paintings, almost 100 of them contributed by Yeow.

A previous edition of the exhibition in 2023 raised RM300,000. Organisers are hoping this year’s event will do even better, with a target of RM400,000.

Painting with purpose

For Rafidah, painting has become another way to give back after decades of public service. Her eight works are available through a silent auction running until Oct 18.

During the pandemic, Rafidah filled her time with brushes, canvases and colour. She later took a break while unwell, but Art4Good drew her back to painting.

“It was a pleasure for me to paint and donate eight of my paintings,” Rafidah said at the launch, sharing that five of her artworks for the 2023 exhibition raised RM45,000.

She reminded those gathered that behind every painting was an opportunity to bring greater hope and comfort to children and families in need.

That generosity is reflected in returning supporter and retired banker Allen Tan, who contributed RM30,000 and left Yeow to choose the paintings on his behalf.

“I don’t keep them; I give them to my relatives or friends,” Allen had told Yeow, explaining that he wanted others to have the chance to own an original artwork.

Young artists, big impact

The exhibition’s youngest artist, Loke, is contributing in his own way. The eight-year-old creates artworks by tapping his wrist and palm against paper or canvas, with proceeds helping SSMH, which he joined in 2023.

His mother, Tan Boon See, was deeply moved to see his work exhibited. “Everyone is unique. Every child, even a handicapped one, has potential. So don’t give up on them,” said the 52-year-old.

His art teacher, Yap Sook Yee, believes art can change the way society views children like Loke, showing that difficulty communicating does not diminish what they have to offer.

“He is not just taking, he is also giving to help others,” said Yap.

Fellow exhibiting artist Ken Ming, 28, feels pride and happiness in knowing his paintings can benefit others.

With encouragement from his family, he pursued formal art training and now creates vivid works inspired by animals, nature and fantasy.

“Through art, I can express myself and show the world what I’m capable of,” he said.

In different ways and from very different walks of life, the six artists have arrived at the same place: using what they love to help someone else move forward.

‘Art4Good: Painting from the Heart’

When:
Until Oct 18 (Sunday), 10am-10pm

Where:
Main concourse @ Bangsar Shopping Centre
285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya
Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur

View the paintings here. For more information or to place an order, contact Aliza at 019-396 3323 or click here.

For other exhibition enquiries, contact Fadillah Yakin at 012-203 3920 or Mithila at 012-203 0562.

Silent auction details:

• Auction dates: Until Oct 18
• Minimum bid: RM1,000 per painting
• Results: Oct 19. Successful bidders will be contacted directly.

To view Rafidah Aziz’s artworks, click here. To submit a bid, contact Aliza at 019-396 3323 or click here. You can also email [email protected].

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