Reading the countless literature on Democratic Action Party (DAP) veteran, Lim Kit Siang may not be enough to appreciate and comprehend the life, struggles and aspirations of one of the most well-known political figures in Malaysian history.
Starting this 31 March 2021, an art museum celebrating Kit Siang’s life journey, dreams and sacrifice will be open to the public as the iconic Malaysian turned 80 years old this year.
The gallery, aptly named Theatre Impian at Bukit Jalil will be home to 100 beautiful and thought-provoking paintings, calligraph, sculptures and more inspired by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Iskandar Puteri. 80 renown local artists have been commissioned to contribute their artworks towards the collection in this gallery, which depicts various aspects of Kit Siang’s life throughout his journey in our nation’s political scene for over 55 years.
Stepping inside the gallery, visitors will be transported into fragments of the Iskandar Puteri MP’s life; the close-knit family in which he drew strength and inspiration, the democratic ambitions he firmly believe in for our beloved nation, the cells in which he were detained for standing up for his fellow Malaysians, the friends, allies and political coalitions he was a part of, the injustice he bravely persevere through, the shining light that was Pakatan Harapan’s victory, the dark hour that was ‘Sheraton Move’ and many more. Each art piece tells its own story, each painting a fragment of history encapsulating the highs and lows of Lim Kit Siang.
Wiliam Shakespeare once said, ‘There is a history in all men’s lives.’
Immersing through the artworks on display, one will not only come to appreciate and understand Kit Siang’s principles and aspirations, but it will also open one’s eyes as they immerse into the long-winding, dynamic, treacherous road that is the political history of Malaysia.
The MP for Damansara, Tony Pua, who is the co-curator for this project asserted his aspiration and purpose behind the opening of this gallery,
“We hope that every visitor of this art gallery will learn of Kit Siang’s history, struggles and sacrifices and will be inspired to play a role in building a better Malaysia.”
The official opening ceremony of Theatre Impian will be on 28 March 2021 and subsequently open to the general public on 31 March 2021, starting from 11am to 5pm every Tuesday to Saturday.
This two-floor gallery features artworks from local artists such as Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Calvin Chua, Chong Siew Ying, Cheong Tuck Wai, Gan Tee Sheng, Jeganathan Ramachandram, Khairuddin Zainudin, Kow Leong Kiang, Yuki Tham and even a unique piece painted by Tony Pua.
Gallery location:
Theatre Impian,
C-03-03 Aurora Place,
Jalan Persiaran Jalil 1,
57000 Kuala Lumpur
