CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB Group” or “the Group”) on 28 June kicked off its third edition of the CIMB Hotel Art Fair, once again exhibiting works from Malaysian and foreign artists and galleries, aimed at supporting and promoting the country’s arts and cultural scene. The free-to-public event ran from Saturday, 29 June to Sunday, 30 June at the Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre.
The CIMB Hotel Art Fair, part of the CIMB Artober franchise, displayed a curation of over 200 striking artworks from 18 acclaimed local and international galleries such as G Thirteen Gallery, The Back Room, KolmeGlu, Segaris Art Centre, Sutra Foundation and Japan-based B Gallery. Eminent names as well as new and exciting artists were on show, including Tan Chui Mui, Anniketyni Madian, Gabriel Cheah, Kow Leong Kiang, Dr. Mohd Fuad Md Arif, Muhamad Zaim and PoOi, presenting their creative talent and artistic voice in an assortment of mediums including paintings, sculptures and installation art. Tan Chui Mui debuted her installation art series “Emotional Machine” at the CIMB Hotel Art Fair, and simultaneously in Paris and Xiamen.
Visitors were able to peruse collections by distinguished arts groups and designers such as Mah Meri, Ash Majid and Jonathan Yun Jewelry. All artworks were displayed in guest suites converted into mini galleries, and made available for purchase during the fair.
The event was launched at a special preview on Friday, 28 June by guest-of-honour YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia together with Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group.
Tengku Zafrul said, “The value of culture is often difficult to measure, but expressions of culture can drive the economy, and that is measurable. Art is a key part of our culture, and we should find ways to export Malaysian artworks abroad, too. If there is a more concerted, structured effort between the Government, agencies, the private sector and galleries, and with strong support from all parties including corporates like CIMB, I am sure the hype and buzz created so far in the Malaysian art scene can be extended to beyond our shores.”
Novan Amirudin said, “CIMB is pleased to support the development of the creative arts industry in Malaysia, featuring both local and international artistic talent. CIMB’s forte is in creating marketplaces such as CIMB Hotel Art Fair, bringing clients and collectors closer to the art world; fueling the creative arts economy with connections and visibility. More than a CSR initiative, the CIMB Hotel Art Fair has evolved to be a significant business platform for the creative arts sector to flourish. Since 2020, the CIMB Artober franchise has helped to generate over RM15 million in total art sales, benefitting over two dozen galleries and over 100 artists in Malaysia. We welcome all visitors, from new to seasoned collectors to this event, a kaleidoscopic tribute to creativity that forms one of the highlights of CIMB’s 100 Years & More celebrations.”
CIMB Hotel Art Fair 2024 also hosted a number of exciting panel discussions which explore the intersection between art and cultural heritage in sessions featuring prominent figures in the local art scene. These sessions included:
- “Behind the Art Part 1 – Managing privately run art spaces/museums” with Nazura Rahime, Pital Maarof and Mirsham Meer
- “Curating a City with Stories – The Making of KL Culture & Creative District and the Merdeka Textile Museum” participated by Suryani Senja, Izan Satrina and John Ang
- Behind the Art Part 2 – Managing privately run art spaces/museums, with Rahel Joseph and Dr Tan Loke Mun
- Make or Break: The Business of Art – with Desmond Tong and Iz Sulaini
Datuk Dr Ras Adiba Radzi made an appearance in a reading of classical Malay literature while two book signings were also held, featuring Khairulanwar Rahmat’s “Limar” and Dr Tan Loke Mun, co-author of “Visionary Architects of Monsoon Asia”.
More information on CIMB Art Fair 2024 is available on CIMB Malaysia’s Instagram pages.
CIMB cardholders will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on spending of RM10,000 and above with any CIMB debit, credit or prepaid card at the participating galleries throughout the duration of the CIMB Hotel Art Fair campaign from 28 June to 30 September 2024. Terms & Conditions apply.