"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
Unlike mathematics, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to art. Everything is up to your own interpretation based on your opinions, thoughts, beliefs and experiences. Even if you don't have any background or knowledge in the arts, you can still appreciate its beauty and meaning.
I was looking forward to going to the National Visual Arts Gallery with Zira. When it comes to local Malaysian artists, the only one that comes to my mind is cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor, better known as Lat. Zira and I both drove to the gallery as parking is easily accessible and free for visitors. You can also take the LRT and stop at the nearest train station (Titiwangsa, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Sentul, Chow Kit or Raja Uda), and then take Grab to the gallery. We went on a Sunday morning so it was quiet with few people inside the gallery, but by lunch time after it stopped raining, more people started to come in.
The National Visual Arts Gallery has undergone various changes over the years as well as several changes to its name. The idea of the gallery was put forth by the Malay Arts Council, specifically by Tan Sri Abdul Mubin Sheppard and Frank Sullivan, who brought the idea to reality. The gallery was first located on Jalan Ampang and known as the National Arts Museum or Muzium Seni Negara. It was officially launched by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1958, a year after Malaysia's independence. Then the gallery was moved to Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak where it is currently located, and renamed the National Art Gallery or Balai Seni Negara. Later on, the gallery changed its name once again and is now known as the National Visual Arts Gallery.
The exterior architecture of the National Visual Arts Gallery has a contemporary design. Before you enter the gallery, you have to register by scanning the QR code provided at the entrance. You'll be asked to fill out details such as your name, phone number, country, number of visitors, how you found out about the gallery and what exhibits you are interested to see. Lastly, you will need to answer a few questions regarding your health (are you coughing, having a fever, etc). Although wearing a mask is not required inside the gallery, it is still recommended.
Even though you can take photos and videos inside the National Visual Arts Gallery, you are not allowed to bring any other equipment such as tripods, selfie sticks, external flash, ring light, etc. Besides this, other restricted items include oversized bags, umbrellas, laser pens, sharp items, stationery, plants and/or flowers. However, certain items are permitted if an official request is made. There are lockers readily available for your convenience for you to store any of the items listed above. No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the gallery and you also cannot bring in any food, drinks or pets. As with any gallery that you go to, there are some rules to follow. Make sure you turn off the flash on your camera, keep a distance from the artwork, and don't touch them to avoid damaging the art pieces. Lastly, do silent your phone and speak quietly so that everyone can enjoy the artwork on display.
The first thing you'll see when you enter the gallery is a circular ramp in the middle of the building, which some people say is like the one at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, USA. The National Visual Arts Gallery has three floors with a total of six galleries, two on each floor with various artwork in different mediums such as paintings, installations, sculptures, mixed media, engravings, oils, drawings, etc. There are restrooms on each floor, as well as an elevator and ramp, which makes the gallery wheelchair accessible. Other than that, there are seating areas inside and outside the exhibition halls, and a souvenir shop near the gallery entrance. On top of this, there is also a surau (prayer room) on the ground floor, which is easy to get to using the elevator, and a small restaurant is conveniently located at the back entrance, outside the National Visual Arts Gallery.
Since the gallery is free of charge, you can stay for as long as you'd like. Zira and I stayed for around two hours, which is definitely enough time to take a look at all the artwork. I enjoyed learning more about the history of the states of Melaka and Kelantan, and seeing artwork that I came to love by local artists Anuar Rashid, Khalil Ibrahim and Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. There are descriptions provided both in English and Bahasa Melayu next to each artwork with details such as the name of the artist, where they were born, title of the artwork, when the artwork was made, etc.
Afterwards, Zira and I had lunch at Sejiwa Titiwangsa, which is the restaurant at the National Visual Arts Gallery. We ordered fish and chips, spaghetti bolognese, mashed potatoes and fresh green apple juice. Altogether the total was RM85 for the both of us which is to be expected when you’re eating Western food. Overall, the food was delicious, the service was good, and the atmosphere was relaxing. During lunch time on a weekend, the restaurant was packed full of people so come a bit earlier if you want to avoid the crowd.
Make sure to bring your family and friends, and come support our local Malaysian artists by visiting the National Visual Arts Gallery. It's open everyday (excluding public holidays) from 9AM to 5PM with the last entry at 4PM. Last, but not least, check out our reel on Instagram for a sneak peak of what you'll see at the gallery.
The National Visual Arts Gallery:
Official Website: https://www.artgallery.gov.my/en/homepage/ Operating Hours: Open every day (excluding public holidays)
From 9AM – 5PM (Last entry is at 4pm)
Address: Lembaga Pembangunan Seni Visual Negara,
No. 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur Phone: +60 3-4026 7000
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