The People Of Remarkable Talents (PORT) recently launched the publication of Perak Creative Directory to highlight the creations of Perakean artists.
According to the author, Dr. Nicole Chang, 46, the objective of this publication is to document the profiles of visual artists and artisans who are born or have been residing in Perak for at least 10 years.
The Perak Creative Directory is presented in three languages namely Malay, English and Mandarin. It contains information on 80 visual artists and artisans of various ethnicities such as Malay (39.48%), Indian (3.4%) and Orang Asli (3.4%).
“Through this publication, seven fields of creative arts are featured like painting, photography, craft and street art.
“Besides that, the book contains a special interview with veteran visual artist: 92-year-old Yeoh Jin Leng who hails from Ipoh,” Nicole said after the book launch by Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Dato’ Mohammed Radzi who is also a Member of the Board of Directors of PORT.
Nicole has been involved actively in academic research and writing since 2003. She is currently an independent consultant running projects of research and writing.
Hailing from Perak and residing in Pulau Pinang, she also researches on the potential of visual arts and its role in the public domain towards a creative city.
At the same time, Nolee also officiated the “ACS BIENNALE” exhibition with the theme “Peace, Love and Dream” by SMK Methodist (ACS) Ipoh in collaboration with PORT. It was held from May 14 till 22 at the Black House @ PORT Ipoh.
The exhibition was participated by 27 upper six students of STPM 2022 and lower six students of STPM 2023.
According to Nolee, a total of 27 paintings were created by the students using various media to depict the local culture and heritage.
“The display is a final project of the students to promote the form six subject of visual arts to parents among others.
“In line with the state government’s plan to develop the state, the tourism sector has been made an important component to boost the economy and contribute to the local community.
“With support and effort from various parties, we can create a more progressive environment of arts making Perak a hotspot for many.
Present was the General Manager of PORT, Nur Hanim Mohamed Khairuddin.
Rosli Mansor
