Izah Azahari
The Zakaria Omar Art Foundation, in cooperation with Impian 7 Art Group, launched a charity art exhibition and bazaar for the Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Humanitarian Fund themed ‘Seniman Peduli’ at the Mabohai Shopping Complex yesterday.
The event was held in response to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s call to approve the establishment of the Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Humanitarian Fund and further the establishment of the National Committee for the Earthquake Humanitarian Fund of Turkiye and Syria.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was the guest of honour.
Turkish Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Professor Dr Hamit Ersoy was also present.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by the official launching and poster signing by the minister. He later toured around the exhibition accompanied by Zakaria Omar Art Foundation founder Zakaria bin Omar.
Seniman Peduli is a humanitarian initiative launched by Brunei Darussalam artists to provide aid to the people affected by the earthquakes that hit Turkiye and Syria on February 6.
The artists took swift action to respond to the urgent need for assistance requested by the affected countries from the international community.
The establishment of the humanitarian fund reflects the artists’ humanitarian values and their commitment to helping those in need. It is also in line with the teachings of Islam, which encourages people to support each other and work towards the common good.
The artists are also collaborating to promote local art and craft. The exhibition is a result of discussions and consensus to further strengthen the activities of local paintings and handicrafts.
The launch of the exhibition demonstrated the artists’ empathy and compassion towards their fellow human beings, especially during times of crisis.
The exhibition also aims to gather artists from the Sultanate to exhibit while collecting donations for the fund, promote ‘Kenali Seni Kitani’ while highlighting paintings to the community so the appreciation and awareness of painting deepens; empowering the art and handicraft products of painters and local handicraft entrepreneurs; promoting national art products; and preserve artistic individually and in groups.
