ARTO Movement

Photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash           Congratulations, fresh graduates! You’ve survived the sleepless nights chasing deadlines for your FYP submissions, endured last-minute critiques from people who don't quite understand your exquisite "taste," and participated in your fair share of pretentious art discussions that somehow always end with someone quoting Duchamp or the Mystical Reality exhibition (as if they're still revolutionary). You probably bombed your SPM exams but thought you had rewritten your destiny by graduating with a degree certificate. But guess what? Now you’re stepping out into the “real” world, and I hate to break it to you—but the journey from campus hero to real-world zero is about to begin. Let’s paint a picture, shall we? Your First Job… Oh Wait, There Isn't One So, you thought that little degree scroll was the golden ticket? Oh, you sweet summer child. The fine arts industry isn’t waiting for you with open arms. It’s ...

  Wen Xin Ong When the Flowers Still Sting  Oil on canvas | 96 cm x 84 cm | 2023 As I wandered through IT’S OPEN by ARTO Movement, my eyes fell upon a captivating painting by Wen Xin Ong. The whole painting was awash in a mesmerizing pinkish-red hue, and it drew me in for a closer look. Titled “When the Flowers Still Sting,” the painting depicts Wen Xin herself holding a bouquet of pink roses. Many young female artists, I’ve noticed, use self-portraits to express their emotions, perhaps finding it a more intimate way to convey their message than relying on a model.   In this painting, the pink roses held by Wen Xin are more than just flowers; they are powerful symbols. As the “queen of flowers,” the rose embodies love, beauty, sensuality, secrecy, mysticism, and even royalty. Moreover, roses are also associated with the symbol of grandeur, establishment, and the ephemeral nature of life. The roses’ presence in Wen Xin’s hand evokes the timeless symbolism of flowers repres...

The art world can be a confusing landscape, particularly for those unfamiliar with its terminology. Two terms often used interchangeably are ‘art gallery’ and ‘art exhibition’. While both are essential components of the art experience, they hold distinct meanings. What exactly is an art gallery, and what is an art exhibition? What are the key differences between these two? Lend me your ears, or in this case, your eyes, and help me entangle this mystery. To answer the first question, what is an art gallery? At its core, an art gallery is a place where artworks are displayed. The dimensions of an art gallery range from as small as a few hundred square feet to thousands of square feet. In addition to varying in size, art galleries also vary in style. Galeri Puteh, for example, has an open-plan style, whereas the Balai Seni Negara has a more traditional, gallery-like style. In Malaysia, we have a diverse range of galleries: 1) Public art institutions like Balai Seni Negara, Bank N...

Memory, All alone in the moonlight, I can smile at the old days— I was beautiful then. I remember The time I knew what happiness was— Let the memory live again. — Cats – Memory (Mytschall, Juergen/De Leon, Dominik/Lange/Strum, Alexis) Memory is an intangible essence that defines who we are. By its very nature, memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information. Without it, we lose our ability to retain and recall what shapes our experiences. Memory is critical for development, especially in children, as it influences current behavior and informs predictions about the future. But memory doesn't just shape our actions—it's deeply tied to emotions and events, especially in our formative years. This emotional dimension is why childhood memories are so profound. Childhood memories are unique in that they often revolve around the emotions we felt at the time—joy, sadness, fear, anger, or even disgust. These emotions give the memories their weight, whether it's the joy ...

Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned creator, your CV is your gateway to the art world. It’s more than just a list—it’s a reflection of your growth, creativity, and dedication to your craft. Let us help you build a CV that highlights your achievements and grabs attention! Here’s a simple breakdown: 1. NAME & YEAR BORN Start strong! Use a clean, clear format. Let your name and birth year stand out. 2. Education (Tertiary only) Showcase your academic milestones: 2016 : Bachelor’s Degree 2014 : Diploma No need to include ongoing studies—focus on what's complete! 3. Awards Have you received any honors or recognition? List them! This gives your CV a competitive edge. 4. Solo Exhibitions (If applicable) Showcase your independence with a list of any solo exhibitions. These are your spotlight moments! 5. Group Exhibitions Give a timeline of your participation in group exhibitions. The more involved you are in the art scene, the better! 2024 2023 2022 …and so on! 6. Act...