KUALA LUMPUR, September 7 – The National Art Gallery is pleased to present ATMA KIRANA, a site-specific digital art installation by Abdul Shakir, as the latest addition to the ongoing Single (Hanya Satu) showcase. Located at the entry hall of the gallery, the installation is set to captivate visitors starting today. Abdul Shakir, also known as Grasshopper, stands as one of Malaysia’s most celebrated new media artists, renowned for his imaginative exploration of digital and interactive elements to create immersive art experiences.
ATMA KIRANA, which embodies the essence of a “Beautiful Soul” in both ancient Malay and Sanskrit languages, invites visitors to collectively embark on an artistic journey that highlights the profound significance of the Rukun Negara or National Principles. The digital art installation is a composition of five distinct flower motifs, each capturing the quintessence and spirit of the guiding principles: Faith (Percaya), Loyalty (Setia), Good Governance (Luhur), Rules of Law (Adil), and Kindness (Baik). The installation comprises an ensemble of 100 suspended LED panels, intricately choreographed and suspended mid-air.
Through a harmonious blend of colors, lights, and form, ATMA KIRANA comes to life, transforming into a vibrant spectacle that invites visitors to explore and contemplate the diverse viewpoints presented by the artworks. Going beyond aesthetics, ATMA KIRANA takes shape from repurposed LED panels, which once adorned roadside billboards in Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape. The art installation echoes a commitment to incorporate sustainable design practices, weaving messages of environmental responsibility into its narrative.
ATMA KIRANA is proudly supported by Yayasan TM (YTM) through its Digital Tech Incubator Programme (DTI) and made possible by Pixel World, Helio Media, iNYALA, Filamen, PORT Ipoh, Converse Malaysia, and RUBIX Communications. A series of complementary public programs, including artist sharing sessions and workshops, will be held to enhance visitors’ connection with the artwork. In conjunction with the celebrations of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, the National Art Gallery extends a warm invitation to the public to experience ATMA KIRANA.
An art installation that seeks to inspire self-discovery through the essence of Rukun Negara and the evolving tapestry of Malaysia’s diverse culture. The ATMA KIRANA exhibition will be open from August 9 to October 30, 2023, and admission is free. For more information, please visit www.artgallery.gov.my or follow the National Art Gallery’s official social media channels.
