Photography exhibition captures Malaysia through 40 years at Galeri Petronas

What say you on the issue below?

LOOKING at an old photographs brings flashes of memories, be it pleasant or otherwise. It pulls you back into that moment, enabling you to relive the experience like it was just yesterday.

The exhibition, “Capturing Malaysia through the Years — 40 Years of Press Photography” launched at Galeri Petronas recently does just that, featuring 54 photographs plucked from Hotshots (a newly-released photo book of iconic photographs by The Star’s photo team).

Petronas corporate strategic planning vice-president Md Arif Mahmood said the exhibition creatively documented the story of Malaysia’s development, in line with Petronas’ continuous effort in supporting, creating and promoting accessible platforms of expression for the Malaysian art fraternity.

“Photographers are artists themselves and the masterminds who represent realities in an innovative form that helps convey the messages to all.

Creative: Saito College School of Design students with their freestyle art made of fun cut-outs from The Star newspaper.

“Without them, stories will be devoid of life, colour and depth.

“It provides a rich sensory experience for visitors, coupled with a nostalgic feel on the nation’s journey towards progress.

Hopefully, the works featured will prompt us to reflect and encourage many to pursue greater growth for our country and people alike,” he said.

Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and CEO Ho Kay Tat said Hotshots was created to pay tribute to the press photographers — many of whom were award-winning — to recognise the significant role they have played in the success of The Star, as well as in documenting local and world history through images.

“Journalism as a career is challenging and rewarding at the same time. The task of seeking newsworthy stories while at the same time ensuring the reporting is accurate and succinct is a daily struggle.

Up close: (from left) Wong Ee Ching, 22, and Sharmilla Mahagana, 21, looking at a photo on display at Galeri Petronas after the launch of ‘Capturing Malaysia through the Years — 40 Years of Press Photography’.

“Similarly, press photographers are continually tasked with the challenge of producing attention-grabbing images and at the same time eschewing any bias.

“As a newspaper man myself, I can certainly appreciate these unsung heroes in bringing life to the stories that may at times be lost in words,” he said.

The exhibition is divided into four parts — Newsmakers, Conflicts and Disasters, Sports and Arts, and Society. Two walls have also been dedicated to Saito College School of Design students’ to showcase their artwork made from fun cut-outs from The Star old newspapers and doodles.

A series of public programmes have been planned at the gallery in conjunction with the exhibition. Free programmes include curatorial walk-throughs with Angelina Chong which will be held on Feb 4, Feb 18 and March 10 at 11am and a photography talk by The Star photographer Glenn Guan at 10am on Mar 3.

There will also be two workshops held during the school holidays to teach students how to create polished movies with smartphones (March 13) and lomography (March 15).

It is open to those aged nine to 14 years old, with a fee of RM25 each.

The exhibition runs until March 18.

Galeri Petronas is located at Level 3, Suria KLCC. It is open every day from 10am until 8pm, except Mondays. Admission is free.