Miri Arts Festival this August brings international, local artists to Pullman Waterfront

MIRI (July 20): Miri Arts Festival 2024 (MAF 2024) is set to be a platform to bring together established artists and enthusiasts through enriching arts experiences this August.

To be held at the lobby of Pullman Miri Waterfront here from August 1 to 4, this art fair will feature a diverse array of paintings and sculptures by over 15 talented artists and sculptors, both locally and internationally.

According to the event’s spokesperson, Zul Baba Noor, MAF’ 24 is organised by AX International Event and Communications Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS).

The event is also supported by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Sarawak Tourism Board; Miri City Council; Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel; and Miri Times Square.

“In this unique showcase, art transcends boundaries with both physical and virtual displays, offering an immersive experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of global cultures,” said Zul.

“From the tranquil landscapes of Borneo to the vivid expressions of international artistry, each piece tells a compelling story of unity and diversity,” he added.

“Let this exhibition inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty that emerges when diverse perspectives come together,” he said, while calling upon the public to visit the arts fair and embark on a journey of creativity and cultural diversity.

According to him, among the international exhibitors at the gallery will be Russian’s artist and muralist Julia Volchkova.

Born on October 18, 1987 in Nizhnevartovsk, Siberia, Russia, Julia has been interested in arts since her early childhood.

She drew her first street graffiti in her town in 2006, at the age of 19. She graduated from the Nizhnevartovsk State University in 2010, earning a degree in Arts and Design.

Having been trained in Russian’s school of fine arts, she explores into canvas artwork and street arts where she creates murals around the world.

Another one to look out for at the MAF’24 gallery is Sarawak’s very own artist and art gallery owner MahsuriShark.

MahsuriShark’s artistic journey is a testament to passion, creativity and grit. Her talent is evident from an early age, excelling in art from as young as three.

Driven by fascination with performing arts and art-related industries, the Business Administration degree holder with a major in marketing has her art training focused on nature, still-life, and pottery.

Hit by the Covid-19 crisis in 2021, MahsuriShark began using art as an emotional outlet.

By 2024, she made a bold career shift, leaving behind 28 successful years in the telecommunications industry to become a full-time artist and gallery owner.

Influenced by masters like Monet, Van Gogh, and Callen Schaub; her work explores themes of abstract landscapes, skies, flowers, and the cosmos reflecting her emotional state.

Her art career took off with exhibitions such as the Down Syndrome Awareness Month Art Exhibition in 2022 and the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Art Market in 2023.

She also had her works showcased at Prince Court Medical Centre and The Curve Concourse arts exhibitions.

Since February 2024, her ‘Light’ collection is exhibited at the office and clinic of Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the chairman of UCSI University, Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan.

Some of her earlier works are also featured at the Rouhi Retreats Langkawi in Kedah, and the Wonder Women Exhibition at Intermark Mall in Kuala Lumpur.

Her MahsuriShark boutique gallery in Sungai Buloh, Selangor was established with two partners in Sungai Buloh in May this year, featuring an archive of over 400 arts pieces.

Her journey is about expressing her unique perspective of emotions in motion and sharing her passion for art and mobile technology – blending tradition with innovation.