Platform to showcase talents

Article from The Star Youth2, 7th May 2008

PEOPLE often refrain from buying art pieces because they are too expensive, said Pang Khee Teik. The Annexe Gallery Arts Programme director believes that some artists put high prices on their artworks simply because they think it is the only way for them to sustain their business.

However, such pricing also puts off potential art buyers who cannot afford the exorbitant prices. “That’s the main reason why Art for Grabs was set up,” said Pang.

Over the last weekend, all kinds of artists congregated in The Annexe, Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, selling their works at prices that are less than RM100. That’s the rule if you want to sell your stuff at Art for Grabs – the items must be priced at less than RM100, and the items must be original – that is, you created the art piece yourself.

The first bazaar was held six months ago, and was such a success that Pang decided the event is worth repeating. Now, he plans to organise Art for Grabs every six months, so that young artists have a place to sell their items and people can purchase art works at affordable prices.

“This type of events benefits both the artists who want to sell their art works and people who wish to go home with something beautiful, and yet don’t have to pay too much for it,” said Pang.

At the recent two-day bazaar, around 80 lots were taken up by artists selling all types of things – from paintings and hand-painted T-shirts to mugs and cupcakes.

“I had also allocated six free lots for NGOs to advocate their causes here,” Pang said.

Local musicians were also given a chance to show off their talents. They were given a stage to perform and allowed to charge the audience a minimal fee.

The crowd was definitely enthusiastic.

Shazrin Ahmad Zani who was there with his mother said that he came to support the artists, whom he feels don’t get much recognition from Malaysians.

“We have many talented people here but, unfortunately, it’s difficult for them to break into the Malaysian scene. Sometimes, we are too brand conscious and don’t know the local talents that we’re pushing aside,” said the 20-year-old Information Technology student.

His mother, Wan Zainab Abu Karim, 49, said that it was her first time visiting such a bazaar and she was amazed by some of the works displayed there.

“They are indeed a talented lot and I do agree that art works such as these should not be priced too expensively,” she said.