The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), through the Museums Department, launched the first solo exhibition of local artist and former envoy Dato Paduka Haji Haini bin Haji Hashim to mark the opening of the year as an effort to support the creative industry.
More than 150 artworks from Dato Paduka Haji Haini are currently on display at Gallery 4, Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja.
The solo art exhibition called A Life in Art is divided into three categories: impressionism, realism and abstract.
Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan launched the exhibition along with Dato Paduka Haji Haini.
Members of the diplomatic corps as well as local artists and MCYS officials were among those present.
Acting Director of Museums Pengiran Haji Rosli bin Pengiran Haji Halus in his remarks welcomed members of the art and creative industry to utilise the space and show that art can be a source of income. Through the platform, artists can share their creativity and develop the creative industry in a meaningful way.
He also shared that A Life in Art exhibition is a collaboration between the Brunei Museums Department and former ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Russia Dato Paduka Haji Haini.
While serving in Russia, Dato Paduka Haji Haini turned his artworks into one of the diplomatic tools to strengthen and improve bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Russia.
“Dato Paduka Haji Haini has exhibited many of his paintings. Some of his paintings have also been given as gifts to state dignitaries. But what is most awe-inspiring is that Dato Paduka Haji Haini was inducted by the Russian Academy of Arts as an honorary member in April 2017, making him the first Bruneian to receive such recognition.”
Meanwhile, the event saw the handing over of funds collected for the National Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023 amounting to BND2,231 through a charity sale of paintings organised by the Zakaria Omar Arts Foundation.
The donation was received by Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan from Dato Paduka Haji Haini before being handed to the Secretariat of National Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023.
An art workshop, Bicara Seni (Art Talk) is also held, to hone talents among the youth by introducing them to basic acrylic painting.
The exhibition is open daily except Fridays until January 31, from 9am to 5pm. – James Kon
