(Kuala Belait, 16th) Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio founder and director Osman stated that the art exhibition "Lakaran Kenangan: Reminiscence in Sketches" uses sketching, painting, and visual creations to document local landscapes, life experiences, and the shifts of the times, making art an important medium for preserving memories.
In his speech at the exhibition’s opening ceremony, he expressed that this event holds special significance for him personally. Since he grew up in Seria and is now returning to Belait District to host an exhibition after more than 50 years, this showcase has particular meaning. This sense of "return" also echoes the theme conveyed by "Lakaran Kenangan."
He said that memories often preserve those places that once shaped people’s lives, including familiar streets, buildings, scenery, and environments that were once part of daily life. Yet as time passes, places change, buildings may disappear, landscapes can be reshaped, and things that once seemed ordinary may one day only be revisited through memory.
He pointed out that art possesses a quiet yet important power in this respect. Through sketching, painting, or simple lines on paper, artists do more than record what they see—they are able to preserve the atmosphere of a place, the emotion of a moment, and the relationship between the artist and their surroundings.
He said that what is recorded today may, in the future, become an important reminder for people looking back on the past.
"Lakaran Kenangan" brings together artists from different generations, including senior and experienced creators, mid-career artists, and emerging talents, presenting their unique perspectives and ways of viewing the world through various works.
He stated that many of the exhibited pieces depict landscapes and environments of Brunei, some of which have already undergone significant changes or no longer retain their former appearance. These works not only allow viewers to appreciate the scenery but also invite people to reconsider their own relationships with these places.
He made special mention of the works of Dato Paduka Haji Haini Haji Hassim, including pieces created during his tenure as Brunei’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation. These works are not just visual records of places, but also carry the artist’s experiences and observations during important periods in his life.
He said that each artwork is thus not just an image, but also a fragment of time, a memory, and a record of where people have once been.
Osman noted that an exhibition cannot be accomplished by the efforts of one person alone, but begins with communication, joint ideation, and the willingness to turn an idea into reality.
He expressed his gratitude to partners and exhibition partner V Plaza Hotel, for providing space and opportunity for art, memory, and exchange. He also specially thanked V Plaza Hotel managing partner Chong Vui Jin, and said he was pleased that both sides could collaborate on this occasion.
At the same time, he thanked the hotel’s managing director Zhang Huangming, noting that it was originally his initiative that launched the idea, driving the realization of the exhibition, and that his support, effort, and contribution played a vital role in turning the concept into reality.
He also thanked all those who worked behind the scenes, and all participating artists, describing their works as the core of "Lakaran Kenangan." Through the artists’ observations and creative journeys, viewers are able to enter their worlds and may rediscover fragments of their own memories.
He hopes this exhibition will encourage people to slow down, look again, recall, and pay more attention to the places around them.
During the exhibition period, the organizers will also host public community art workshops on August 15th, 22nd, and 23rd to further promote arts education and community participation.
In his speech at the exhibition’s opening ceremony, he expressed that this event holds special significance for him personally. Since he grew up in Seria and is now returning to Belait District to host an exhibition after more than 50 years, this showcase has particular meaning. This sense of "return" also echoes the theme conveyed by "Lakaran Kenangan."
He said that memories often preserve those places that once shaped people’s lives, including familiar streets, buildings, scenery, and environments that were once part of daily life. Yet as time passes, places change, buildings may disappear, landscapes can be reshaped, and things that once seemed ordinary may one day only be revisited through memory.
He pointed out that art possesses a quiet yet important power in this respect. Through sketching, painting, or simple lines on paper, artists do more than record what they see—they are able to preserve the atmosphere of a place, the emotion of a moment, and the relationship between the artist and their surroundings.
He said that what is recorded today may, in the future, become an important reminder for people looking back on the past.
"Lakaran Kenangan" brings together artists from different generations, including senior and experienced creators, mid-career artists, and emerging talents, presenting their unique perspectives and ways of viewing the world through various works.
He stated that many of the exhibited pieces depict landscapes and environments of Brunei, some of which have already undergone significant changes or no longer retain their former appearance. These works not only allow viewers to appreciate the scenery but also invite people to reconsider their own relationships with these places.
He made special mention of the works of Dato Paduka Haji Haini Haji Hassim, including pieces created during his tenure as Brunei’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation. These works are not just visual records of places, but also carry the artist’s experiences and observations during important periods in his life.
He said that each artwork is thus not just an image, but also a fragment of time, a memory, and a record of where people have once been.
Osman noted that an exhibition cannot be accomplished by the efforts of one person alone, but begins with communication, joint ideation, and the willingness to turn an idea into reality.
He expressed his gratitude to partners and exhibition partner V Plaza Hotel, for providing space and opportunity for art, memory, and exchange. He also specially thanked V Plaza Hotel managing partner Chong Vui Jin, and said he was pleased that both sides could collaborate on this occasion.
At the same time, he thanked the hotel’s managing director Zhang Huangming, noting that it was originally his initiative that launched the idea, driving the realization of the exhibition, and that his support, effort, and contribution played a vital role in turning the concept into reality.
He also thanked all those who worked behind the scenes, and all participating artists, describing their works as the core of "Lakaran Kenangan." Through the artists’ observations and creative journeys, viewers are able to enter their worlds and may rediscover fragments of their own memories.
He hopes this exhibition will encourage people to slow down, look again, recall, and pay more attention to the places around them.
During the exhibition period, the organizers will also host public community art workshops on August 15th, 22nd, and 23rd to further promote arts education and community participation.