The Malaysian visual art scene is growing rapidly. However, we believe more needs to be done to propel it to the same heights as many of our Asian neighbours, such as China, India, Indonesia and even Thailand. It is KLAS’ intention to bring the country’s visual art scene one step closer to or, even, one step ahead of those of our neighbours. Our Being, a solo exhibition by Jeihan Sukmantoro, a highly reputable senior artist from Bandung, Indonesia, marks KLAS’ foray into promoting artworks by renowned artists from the region.
As a commercial gallery space, we hope to encourage a secondary market for Malaysian art, particularly for Modern or pioneer works from established senior artists and masters from Malaysia and the region. These chiefly constitute artworks created up till the 1960s and many will be surprised to know that these artworks, as well as artworks by these pioneering artists, are still attainable at relatively affordable prices.
KLAS will also provide the service of receiving consignments from artists or individual collectors, thereby making their artworks available to interested parties. This will no doubt increase the chances of serious collectors acquiring those hard-to-secure pieces from specific periods, series or individuals and in the process encourage fresh, young collectors.
All art collections have to begin somewhere. What matters most is the steps that follow and, as all serious collectors know, it is important to deal with a reputable source. KL Lifestyle Art Space offers an assurance of legitimacy for all the artworks that pass through our doors. Acquisitions made through KLAS will come complete with a certificate of authenticity bearing the original signature of the artist. If it is a posthumous work, then a guarantee of authenticity will be made through an appropriate governing body for a token sum.
KLAS has its presence on the Internet too, a comprehensive website at www.kl-lifestyle.com.my/artspace that details previous and on-going exhibitions and which includes a stockroom with an inventory of artworks for sale.
We look forward to seeing you at KL Lifestyle Art Space.
Datuk Gary Thanasan
Chief Executive Officer of KL Lifestyle Art Space
