Kolej International Graduate Studies

AN ART exhibition called ‘Identity’ – with a theme inspired by the various Bornean ethnic groups such as Dusun, Kedayan, Iban, Malay, Murut, Bisaya and Tutong – was officially opened to the public yesterday. Held at the Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) Art Gallery, the exhibition showcases the artworks of seven students from batch 1701 of the Certificate of Art and Design programme of KIGS. It is open from 11am to 4pm and will run until February 14. The ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by KIGS Multimedia and Broadcasting Head Haji Hasnul bin Haji Hamdani. KIGS Acting CEO Pengiran Haji Mohd Rahimin bin Pengiran Setia Jaya Haji Abdul Momin declared the event officially opened with the striking of a traditional gong. The exhibition is a collaboration between Artly Design, Ranoadidas and Kurapak, and will portray the identity, uniqueness, foods and traditions of the different ethnicities through visual art, mixed media and traditional art. Final year CAD 1701 student Zainol Iman Hamdi bin Talip, who led the exhibition’s seven-member team, noted that the exhibition aims to highlight and provide exposure on the various ethnicities of Brunei and Borneo, particularly to the IT-engrossed younger generation who generally have little to no interest in such matters. “It took us about four months to prepare for the exhibition; we did in-depth research on the different ethnicities before we proceeded with the artworks and we had great support from our lecturers as well as Artly Design, who sponsored our shirts for this exhibition,” Zainol said. Zainol, who has interest in the arts, fashion and sculpture, said he chose to enrol in KIGS following recommendations from his family members. “I hope to gain more knowledge on arts and sculpture and be able to hold exhibitions again in the future,” he added. Zainol’s mother, Norzailawati binti Haji Zaman, who turned up at the exhibition alongside his father to provide support, expressed pride in seeing her son putting his interests into good use. She appreciates the move by the college to highlight the skills the students have acquired from their time studying at the college.