KUALA LUMPUR – The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) together with the National Art Gallery launched the introductory programme for community-based tourism to anchor underwater sculptures in Pulau Pasir, Langkawi.
The event was held at the Pengkalan Kubang Badak. Present were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi, Langkawi Development Authority chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad, nine sculpture artists, and members of the media as well as the general public.
Nasaruddin said that the event was in line with Lada’s direction of supporting more green and community tourism activities.
“There has been a global increase in environmentally-conscious travellers. Most of them were looking for ways to reconnect with nature and seek new sustainable experiences. Bearing this in mind, we felt it was an ideal time to collaborate with the National Art Gallery to bring this project to life.
"We look forward to these beautifully carved sculptures being placed at Pulau Pasir, near Pulau Jemuruk today."
The programme started in January this year. It saw the participation of nine experienced artists producing unique and aesthetically pleasing sculptures, to encourage marine life to take hold and flourish.
The statues that will be placed anywhere from two to six meters to being partially submerged in the water. They will act as a stable base for reefs to form.
Langkawi Island is already considered a magical island, so artists were encouraged to draw inspiration from its myths and legends.
Both Lada and the National Art Gallery felt that it was only right to include the local community. Fishermen, scuba diving operators and local artisans helped to create this attractive yet distinctive underwater masterpiece.
Among the materials used were treated concrete cement to ensure it was safe and friendly to the marine ecosystem and ecology. The statues were also left with rough patches of texture to help coral larvae gain a strong foothold.
The artists made sure to include curves when shaping their artwork. This is to allow fish and other types of marine life to duck in and out of their new marine homes. Finally, the installation’s locations were carefully chosen to catch coral larvae and other marine life floating by.
“We are honoured to work with Lada to not only highlight the creativity of local artists but also play our part in conserving marine life. Through all that we do, we place the needs of the community as our main priority,” said Amerrudin.
Nasaruddin shared that the idea of this activity had come about by both parties. A large number of coral reefs have disappeared in the last decade due to the skyrocketing levels of human-made carbon emissions.
He said, “If those numbers were not alarming enough, scientists have warned that 80% of the reefs could be gone by 2050.”
"The production and physical structure of the sculpture is much more than a mere work of art. Also, it hosts many fish species as well as other marine life. The presence of these sculptures will further enrich the marine habitat.
"It will provide plenty of sustenance to the local community and will be a catalyst for new eco-marine tourism,” added Nasaruddin.
Low Chee Peng was among the sculptor artists present at the event to showcase his work of art. Originating from Penang, he has been in the industry for more than 20 years.
“Having worked on this project for about three weeks, my artwork was inspired by the Legend of Mahsuri and the curse of the seven generations. This would be my first time participating in an event as such and I decided to do so because of my passion and interest to bring about change.”
For full-time artist Umi Baizurah Mahir@Ismail, her artwork for the programme was titled Permata Hinggap. It represents all the valuable items on the island.
“I was drawn to be a participant in this project when I found out that the artwork would be submerged in the water. It would be the first for me, hence, I could not resist the once in a lifetime opportunity.”
"My artwork is closely related to the local community, especially the eagle at the top and the lifebuoy as a symbol of balance.
" Additionally, I have also included children’s toys within my artwork to represent the future generation.”
In 2007, Langkawi was awarded Unesco Global Geopark status, the first Global Geopark in Southeast Asia. It is also one of only 177 worldwide to date. – The Vibes, June 2, 2022
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