About the exhibition & the participating artists

International auction houses that had been mainly showing “Western Art” are now slowly shifting their focus to Asia. The art scene in Indonesia, India and China has proven its worth and has become prime movers of big auction houses. Malaysian Art which was untapped by the International Art scene is now gradually finding its place overseas and have experienced a remarkable facelift, bringing about more full time painters who are now part of an increasingly active art market.

Art is a field of prospects and good artworks are now selling at comfortable prices. No doubt, art has come to stay with us and it is high time that it is treated with the respect and integrity that it demands! ‘Caves on Canvas’, an art exhibition was conceived with these aims in mind.

‘Caves On Canvas’ is the maiden project of the newly formed Symbols Art Club. In the month of August, an outdoor painting session saw a group of 16 artists setting their easel and painting Batu Caves. Though it was a casual field trip, the response from the tourists and locals gave an idea to exhibit and display the artworks to public.

The Chairman of Batu Caves Devasthanam was more than happy and supported the idea. A suitable place was provided and a number of canvases were sponsored to aid the artists.

In this exhibition, each artist would be showcasing three canvases. One piece would depict Batu Caves, each in their own unique and distinctive style. Two other works are derived from personal collection of works; where different modes of expressions are portrayed, expanding the versatility of each artist. Every artwork displayed holds its own aesthetic value as all these artists are exposed to different environment and ideologies.

Malliga was an art teacher and is currently conducting art training for Tamil school teachers under a foundation. Jayshree is a fulltime artist who has worked with National Art Gallery on a few occasions.

Rohini, an NGO executive is a very serious abstract painter. Suseela, a gynecologist is very passionate about art and apart from her clinic life, she is an artist at heart. This is the second exhibition for both these artists. Kalawathi, a Singaporean currently residing here has had her exhibitions in Dubai and is a glass painter.

Sharmini, an accountant has been painting since schooldays and has a strong sense of shapes and color. Ramani has worked as a hoarding artist and is also a make-up artist.

Kathiravan is an engineer by profession. He is a good portraitist and dabbles comfortably in oil. Mona, a 21 year old is a full time artist and recently exhibited with Matahati.

Mano is a graphic designer and has been in the field for many years and has a strong sense in line works. Vasu, a Penangnite is currently working on a group exhibition in Penang based on the "Buah Palah" issue.

Kelvin is a young artist who is good in charcoals and is also good in perspective. Pari is a graphic designer who is a good caricaturist and is into Pop Art. Rajasegaran is a martial arts master and a good illustrator and portraitist, who has a unique style of painting figurative.

Sharon is an alternative therapist and has an eye for nature and it is a joy to see her drawings of flora. Santhi, a management trainer took leave from job and travelled Europe for six months to visit art galleries and is a very passionate artist.

Symbols Art Club