Celebrating ‘love’ at its core, the ‘Love for Sale’ themed ARTAID16 exhibition continues to raise awareness and funds for women’s HIV health programmes under the Malaysian AIDS Foundation.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2016 – ARTAID16, the second edition of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) ARTAID exhibition series, returned to showcase the works of 46 established and emerging Malaysian contemporary artists in aid of women living with HIV.
ARTAID16 contributing artists are joined by Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Trustee Hisham Hussein (centre), MAF Executive Director Jasmin Jalil (four from left) and ARTAID16 curator Noor Mahnun Mohamed (four from right).
“The overwhelming success of last year’s ARTAID15, which raised a total of RM 230,000 for our women’s HIV treatment, care and support programmes, not only inspired us to continue this endeavour; it also encouraged us to double the scale and ambition of the exhibition,” said Professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of the MAF.
Under the theme Love for Sale, this year’s collection sought to critically explore the subject matter of “love” – in all its universality, diversity and complexity – while bringing to attention the gender disparities and inequities that continue to negatively affect women living with HIV.
“ARTAID16 is a reminder that, three decades into the AIDS epidemic, in spite of the remarkable progress in HIV science, people most deserving of lifesaving HIV treatment, care, support – and above all – our love and compassion continue to be unjustly pushed to the fringes of society.”
To date, over 12,000 cases of female HIV infections have been notified in Malaysia. As sexual transmission of HIV – which accounted for 78 percent of new infections in 2015 – continues to rise, women now are faced with a two-fold increase in HIV risk with respect to men compared to ten years ago.
“More worryingly, for many women, their only risk factor is being married,” Dr Adeeba noted further.
Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Malaysia’s eminent artist famed for his still life, portraiture and figurative works and Trustee of the MAF who conceived the ARTAID project in 2015, is back at the helm of ARTAID16 serving as advisor of the exhibition.
ARTAID16 advisor Ahmad Zakii Anwar’s four contributions to the charity art exhibition (clockwise) Dua Pisang, Terung & Lada Hijau, Eggplant & Squash, and Tomato, Lobak & Lemon.
“I am deeply grateful to all of my artist friends who contributed to ARTAID16, especially the young emerging talents for choosing to align themselves with an important social cause early on in their careers,” he explained.
“The Love for Sale collection evokes our collective hopes and ideals of an AIDS-free generation, where barriers are broken down, our differences are celebrated, communities thrive and no one is left behind. As efforts to end AIDS mount, it has become increasingly clear that without love, the battle against AIDS cannot be won.”
Leading the curatorial work for ARTAID16 is Noor Mahnun Mohamed, painter, printmaker and art writer.
ARTAID16 curator Noor Mahnun Mohamed with her two contributions to the art benefit Speak Softly (top) and Steadfast.
“I am particularly pleased to see the participation of 11 female artists in ARTAID16 and the overall strength of their body of work,” she remarked.
“Women in arts have a responsibility to paint the realities of other women in our community, especially those suffering in silence due to HIV stigma. We hope our paintings and creations will go on to inspire confidence, courage and determination in these women and enrich their lives.”
Alexandra Hon, one of the 11 female artists participating in ARTAID16, with her contribution Nature of Courtship: The Merry War.
A total of 63 artworks worth over half a million ringgit makes up the Love for Sale collection, all of which are being sold with part of the proceeds going to MAF’s HIV women’s treatment, care and support programmes.
Over the years, these programmes have helped women from underserved and impoverished backgrounds across Malaysia access lifesaving HIV medicines and other related medical services, resulting in improved health outcomes and wellbeing.
Arif Fauzan Othman with his ARTAID16 contribution Selendang Selindung.
The ARTAID16 exhibition is currently taking place at White Box, Publika, Solaris Dutamas and open to the public for free from 11 AM to 9 PM daily until 9 November 2016. It will be officially launched by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbudin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah in a special reception on the evening of 2 November 2016.
Visit the ARTAID16 webpage to view the complete list of participating artists and their artworks, pricing and up-to-date sales status. To make your purchase or enquire further, contact Arif at 012-9594596. All purchases are eligible for tax exemption.
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Malaysian AIDS Foundation
The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) was formed in 1993 to raise and administer funds to support the activities and programmes of the Malaysian AIDS Council and its Partner Organisations. MAF funds high-impact HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programmes such as harm reduction, shelter homes, financial and medical assistance schemes as well as HIV health literacy and empowerment activities for underprivileged women and children living with HIV and other key populations nationwide. Learn more at maf.org.my
Contact
Malaysian AIDS Foundation
Zaki Arzmi | 016-2922948 | zaki@mac.org.my
