OUR ArtProjects presents 'Great Leap Forward', a solo exhibition by Nirmala Dutt
Inaugural exhibition
The exhibition also marks the opening of OUR ArtProjects' new gallery space in Kampung Attap, KL
Having established itself as an art consultancy and project platform since 2013, OUR ArtProjects is set to delve further into KL's increasingly lively art scene with the opening of its own gallery at the Zhongshan Building, a row of restored 1950s interconnected shophouses in Kampung Attap. Starting the new year with a bang, OUR ArtProjects will kick things off at the new space with its inaugural exhibition—'Nirmala Dutt: Great Leap Forward'.
"We are excited to be showing Nirmala Dutt as the opening show of our new space," says gallery directors Liza Ho and Snow Ng. "She is really one of our pioneering contemporary artists to explore the role of artist as a social commentator. Moreover, her artistic concerns also mirror what we recognise as art that inspire us to think critically about the world, about the country and about our society."
A pioneering figure in the Malaysian contemporary art scene, Nirmala Dutt's practice spans documentary photography, painting, silkscreen, collage and public art. She was a keen explorer of new aesthetic forms, and often directed attention towards the plight of the downtrodden, calling upon the artist to play the role of a social commentator. Unfortunately, Dutt passed away peacefully just last month, before she could witness the opening of the exhibition.
'Great Leap Forward' will focus on Dutt's practice in the 1990s, where she played critic on then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's 2020 vision and its cost on the nation. Through art, she brings our attention to those who are left behind in Malaysia's pursuit for economic modernisation—an ongoing issue.
'Nirmala Dutt: Great Leap Forward' will run from 7 - 27 January 2017 at OUR ArtProjects @ The Zhongshan Building. Admission is free. Opening hours are 11am - 7pm; Sunday by appointment.
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