
MahsuriShark Gallery is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Artists Program at the highly anticipated Miri Art Festival '24. This inaugural event promises to be a landmark celebration of art, culture, and community, positioning Miri as a premier festival destination.
As a key partner in this initiative, MahsuriShark Gallery will showcase the talents of both local and international artists, significantly contributing to Miri's expanding reputation as a hub for arts and cultural exchange, by attracting visitors worldwide. The creation of the artwork and its connection to cultural heritage demonstrates how diverse interpretations can enrich our understanding of shared emotions.
At the festival, MahsuriShark Gallery is thrilled to introduce innovative digital art, offering a fresh, immersive way to appreciate and experience the world of art. MahsuriShark Gallery will offer original paintings exhibited for sale at Pullman Waterfront Hotel in Miri from 1 August 2024 till 11 August 2024. Additionally, MahsuriShark Gallery will offer affordable original reprints of paintings and merchandise with artists’ original artworks at The Art Market at Miri Times Square during the festival.
Located in the vibrant art hub of Miri, the festival benefits from the enthusiastic support of diverse local art communities representing various art forms. Miri's rich tapestry of art scenes makes it the ideal setting for this event.
MahsuriShark Gallery supports the nation's commitment to mental well-being. The gallery aims to illustrate how the community can engage with mental health initiatives through the transformative power of the arts.
Driving Mixed Reality in Traditional Exhibitions
MahsuriShark Gallery is at the forefront of transforming traditional art exhibitions with mixed reality. Leveraging the latest mobile technology, the gallery integrates virtual animation with physical artworks, providing a dynamic and interactive viewing experience. Attendees will marvel at MahsuriShark paintings that come to life through virtual animation, creating an engaging and multi-dimensional art experience.

Virtual Sky Paintings and Sculptures
In collaboration with their tech partners, MahsuriShark Gallery will enable a stunning virtual sky painting display around the iconic Seahorse sculpture at the Miri Waterfront. This breathtaking visual will offer a new way to experience art in public spaces, blending the natural beauty of the waterfront with the creative brilliance of digital art.
Moreover, MahsuriShark Gallery will feature Khazanah Nasional-owned virtual sculptures at Miri Times Square, creating a unique blend of physical and digital art that invites viewers to explore and interact with the pieces in unprecedented ways. These innovative installations demonstrate MahsuriShark Gallery's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and pioneering new artistic experiences.
Highlights:
1. Diverse Artist Showcase: MahsuriShark Gallery is proud to host a diverse gathering of 17 artists, both local and international, showcasing their unique works. These artists include:
- MahsuriShark (Sarawak)
- Nadia Alsagoff (Norway)
- Anaz K (Kuala Lumpur)
- Megan Lee (Amsterdam)
- Tiz Zaqyah (Kuala Lumpur)
- Tulika Prakash (India)
- Habsah Abang Saufi (Sarawak)
- Elias Mohd (Amsterdam)
- Dhiya Roslan (Sarawak)
- Venie Tee (Kuala Lumpur)
- Ashly Nandong (Sarawak)
- M. Sahzy (Sarawak)
- Datin Norehan (Kuala Lumpur)
- Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi (Sarawak)
- Wan Bynun (Sarawak)
- Ali Nurazmal Yusof (Kuala Lumpur) - Special Appearance: Renowned artist Ali Nurazmal Yusof made a special appearance, marking his first exhibition in Borneo.
- Julia Volchkova (Russia) - Special Appearance: Renowned mural artist Julia Volchkova made a special appearance for a talk and assisted local artists in planning effective mural projects within the community. MahsuriShark Gallery is also collaborating with her to propose a new mural to the new building owner following the recent wipeout of her art in Kuala Lumpur.

2. Mental Health Awareness Talks: As part of their commitment to mental health awareness, Miri Arts Festival hosted free talks and sharing sessions focused on the role of arts in mental health. Paid therapy sessions, which were pre-booked, were also available. Key speakers include Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, Chairman of UCSI Healthcare Group at UCSI Hospital Springhill PD, Dr. Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam, Psychiatrist for Suicide Prevention from KPJ Miri, and Dr. Amanda Albert, psychiatrist and Medical Lecturer from UniMas. These sessions include therapists and are open to the public and aim to provide valuable insights and support.

3. Festival Gala Evening: During the Festival Gala Evening, MahsuriShark, the gallery's main artist, captivated the audience by painting on stage to the enchanting tunes of Nisa's violin. MahsuriShark’s completed painting will be auctioned at the Gala Evening, with proceeds supporting future arts and mental health initiatives. The Festival Gala Evening featured special guests, including comedian Douglas Lim, and a live performance by renowned singer Anuar Zain.
Video source: Mahsurisharkgallery Instagram
MahsuriShark Gallery's participation in the Miri Art Festival '24 aligns with its core principle of inclusiveness in the arts. The gallery's efforts aim to highlight the role of art in bringing people together and supporting mental health initiatives, positioning Miri as a global destination for cultural and artistic excellence.
About MahsuriShark Gallery
MahsuriShark Gallery is dedicated to promoting artistic talent and cultural exchange through diverse exhibitions and programs. With a focus on both local and international artists, the gallery aims to enrich the cultural landscape and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts within the community. Central to our mission is a commitment to mental health and well-being, recognizing the transformative power of art in nurturing emotional and psychological resilience. Our initiatives include workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations that highlight the intersection of art and mental health, creating a supportive space for expression, healing, and dialogue. Additionally, MahsuriShark Gallery leverages the latest mobile technology to innovate and expand the ways art can be experienced and appreciated, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of contemporary art promotion.
For more information, please contact:
PIC: Zuraida
Number: 0133997678
Email: art@mahsurisharkgallery.com
*All information in this article is provided by Mahsuri Shark to Asyiqin Razak.
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