Gallery offers a place for struggling artists to express themselves

ORIGINAL art works need not come with exorbitant price tags and the visual art exhibitions at They Art Studio in Annexe Central Market proves that virtually anyone can become an art collector.
The studio, which opened in November 2007, carried price tags from as low as RM30 and had been a point for many upcoming artists to sell and display their work.
According to brothers, Khairul Anuar, 23, and Mahathir Masri, 25, the studio owners, the concept is geared towards providing a platform for graffiti and other contemporary visual art forms.

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Whether an artist wants to be in for the long term or is merely looking at a one off experience on what it is like to brush shoulders with the art community, the intention is secondary. The important factor here is to make the work appealing.

The draw here is the limitless possibilities because they welcome work done in any medium and idea.
In addition to exhibition space, they also hold forums for the gathering and study of ideas and different mediums used by other artists.

As to why Mahathir would choose to champion the cause of struggling artists, he revealed that as an MIA (Malaysia Institute of Arts) graduate himself, he had seen many of his course mates losing touch with their skills as they pursued careers in ad agencies and production houses.

“One of the reasons why they stop producing artworks is because there is no avenue for them to showcase their completed pieces because not many galleries are willing to accept the works of unknown artists or display graffiti works.

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“So, without the benefit of acknowledgement, some will find very little motivation to put their creativity to use.
In this way, we may have lost a few talented artists,” said Mahathir.

This young entrepreneur from Batu Pahat, who comes from a family of six siblings, revealed that he had started his movement from as early as 1999 to showcase the works of young artists and designers.
In the early days, minus the advantage of his own gallery space, he had convinced another gallery, Art Take in Bangsar, to lend the space to him.

It was an opportunity he took full advantage of by organising exhibitions and group shows complete with opening parties and unique themes.

“At that time, I never thought that such a thing would be possible because I was still a student. But, I just did what I love,” said Mahathir with regards to how he gathered the support from the art community.

The studio has open invitations for new and upcoming artists. Those interested are charged a fee of RM110 for every 10 pieces, which would be exhibited for a week. Proceeds from the sale of artworks goes 100% to the artist. For enquiries call 017-6169934.