FOREWORD & PREFACE
FOREWORD
"My heartiest congratulations to the five Illustration graduates on the launch of the virtual Diploma Show 2021 “Kongsi Palette”!
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It is reassuring to know that art is being kept alive especially during these unsettling and unprecedented times. These five students have persevered and displayed undeniable amount of focus to concentrate on their art and not let the global anxiety and speculations surrounding us currently distract them. Their efforts have translated well into their works to allow its viewers to think beyond their daily spheres of influence and immediate surroundings. I believe that the viewers will be able to find some form of comfort or at least a moment of relief from the creativity showcased.
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Nurturing young artists and designers is the forefront mission of MIA as we recognize the value that art can give to society. Art has a very important role to play in society now, more so than ever – to express the emotions and struggles of the society it exists within, and inspire society to cope and even overcome. Consequently, I hope that the five graduates will continue to share their stories and interpretations of experiences which will resonate with its viewers.
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Once again, congratulations to the students and my very best wishes to their future undertakings."
Dr. Lok Lay Hong
Chief Executive Officer
PREFACE
OUR CUTE LECTURERS
‘It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” e.e.cummings - poet, playwright, painter, essayist
The graduates organizing committee decided ‘Kongsi Palette’ as their exhibition title which we found was rather appropriate as all five graduates come from different geography, places, background, cultures and beliefs, yet; they have shared the same working space and grown their artistic journey together since enrolled in Illustration Diploma course with MIA.
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This Virtual Illustration Diploma Show 2021 features our recent graduates, Chan Hui Ni, Nur Alia Iskandar, Puan Qiao Wern, Sheryl Veronica and Thein Shi Chiun’s final projects that were produced during their final semester year.
This exhibition is an opportunity for us to encourage, promote and showcase the creative artistic expressions of these amazing young illustrators as well as a testament to the creativity of these graduates’ unique strengths and abilities. ‘Kongsi Palette’ presents both contemporary and conceptual illustrations, which encompasses character design, personal journey, unique homegrown farm, individualism and social awareness. This exhibition considers the powerful role of vision and the visual in exploring tangible and intangible realms. As creative young illustrators, they offer fresh perspectives and give new life to intangible metaphors. We are certain that this virtual exhibition will provide a great platform for the graduates to share their unique ideas & concepts through different visualizations and expressions.
There were difficulties along their journey, however, they were able to overcome with patience and creative solutions. We are sure that they will not stop there, they have done so well to make this happen. Big shout out to the organizing committee for their passions and sincere effort, we can’t wait to see all the beautiful, innovative and outstanding series of illustration works in the virtual exhibition. It was not easy but they dared not give up.
As Steve Jobs said “Don’t let the noise of others' opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition”.
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Last but not least, our heartiest congratulations to the organizing committee on the Virtual Illustration Diploma Show 2021 “Kongsi Palette”! We wish you a great and exciting journey ahead!
Bibi Chew - Head, Illustration Department
CC Kua - Exhibition Advisor & Lecturer, Illustration Department