Page 79 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

THE GUIDE TO MALAYSIA 71
included rare pieces, such as one from Latiff Mohidin’s Pago-Pago series, drawing great interest from serious collectors, and in 2012 they added works by younger Malaysian artists, attracting collectors seeking maximum potential returns. In only a decade, HBAA auctioned off more than 2,200 works (90% Malaysian art), with sales of more than RM50 million. Their 2019 sale achieved a record RM8.3 million.
Henry Butcher’s success has naturally attracted keen competition. KL Lifestyle Art Space emerged as a new challenger in 2012, while Masterpiece began offering modern Indonesian art in 2013. This emergence
of multiple art auction houses provides a wonderful opportunity for collectors of all budgets and interests to get serious about investing in Malaysian art.
Art Expo Malaysia (AEM) is the longest-running international art fair
in Southeast Asia and definitely one of the most prestigious. Under the leadership of co-founder Sim Pojinn it has been a catalytic force in moving the art industry forward and defining standards for curated art fairs. The 2019 edition offered over 1,500 works from 60 leading international galleries representing some of the most promising names
in the art world. It also featured a specially curated Southeast Asia Curatorial Exhibition Area, a Japanese Pavilion and fascinating
Art Talks that offered art lovers expert insights on contemporary issues in the arts.
Langkawi Art Bienniale
was launched in 2014 by Art Malaysia, showcasing local and international artists in the context of Langkawi’s natural beauty. The bienniale was held again in 2016 and its 3rd edition was scheduled for March 2020 (now postponed to end of 2022), with over 130 artists from 26 countries creating and presenting works on the theme of “Environment & Culture”.
A small selection of the 60-plus exhibitors and their mini-galleries at the International Art Expo Malaysia 2019, Southeast Asia’s longest running art fair.