Galeri Khazanah’s fourth virtual exhibition titled Harmony and Contrast: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Shaping a Vibrant Future, features a selection of 46 artworks by 21 Malaysian artists that encapsulates the complex nature of life interpreted through visually arresting sculptures, photography and paintings.

Harmony and Contrast are concepts often used in visual arts, design, and aesthetics. In visual arts, Harmony refers to the arrangement of elements to create a unified and aesthetically pleasing whole. It involves a sense of balance, coherence, and unity. Colours, shapes, and other design elements complement each other, creating a harmonious composition.

Contrast involves juxtaposing different elements to highlight their differences, including differences in colour, shape, size, texture, or any other visual attribute. Contrast adds variety and interest to a composition, making certain elements stand out against others.

In photography or visual storytelling, Harmony and Contrast imply a balance between elements that work well together while incorporating elements that stand out distinctly. It suggests a nuanced and visually engaging approach to capturing moments or scenes.

Among the artists featured for the first time in Galeri Khazanah are veteran photographer Hari Ho, SC Shekar and well-established Soraya Yusof Talismail and Wong Hoy Cheong, leading sculptor Raja Shahriman Raja Aziddin, and contemporary artists Mohd Fazli Othman and Ruzzeki Harris.

Discover mesmerising artworks by Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, Latiff Mohidin, Long Thien Shih, Mad Anuar Ismail, Dr Zakaria Ali, Abdul Multhalib Musa, Nadiah Bamadhaj and more.

Curated by Malaysian art consultant Sarah Abu Bakar, designed by Malaysian architecture firm Fei Architect, and photographed by Wesley Wong of Giclee Art Sdn Bhd, Galeri Khazanah consists of five thematic virtual reality spaces: the Pavilion, Glass Room, Lobby, Traditional House, and Peranakan.

The design concept is anchored in the theme of national identity, complementing the original curatorial approach of celebrating Malaysia.

Fei Architect founder and principal, Ar. Lam Shen Fei, who took part in the Khazanah Design Residency 2019, describes the design purpose as a “…relook at architecture, interiors and landscape to depict the architectural styles of Malaysia, while taking into account that the online gallery will be accessed by foreigners, academicians, art enthusiasts and students. Such styles are crucial to creating a narrative that casts an impression during the virtual tour. This intention subverts the backdrop of ubiquitous white plain space of Western art galleries.”

This project is also in memory of a critical team member, Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad, an independent art advisor and collector who sadly passed away in November 2021.