Glass Art at the Art Case Galleries

Batik on glass by Raja Azhar Idris, master glass artist (CNB 2013)

Recently during the Chinese New Year holidays, a friend and I visited the Art Case Galleries in the Great Eastern Mall (GEM), Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The Gallery which exhibits and sells contemporary art pieces to collectors and corporations, is managed by famed professional artist Raja Azhar Idris and was set up in 1993. Whenever I find myself at the GEM, I would pay a visit to this art space on Level 4.

Another (provocative) batik on glass by Raja Azhar Idris (CNB 2013)

This time the art pieces are of a recent exhibition. The "Kaca Kacha Glass Art Exhibition" which was held from 16 December 2012 to 2 January 2013, featured the works of Raja Azhar Idris, master glass artist and four emerging glass artists under his tutelage, Zulkifli Hamzah, Bob Zain, Nafiz Ahmad Jaafar and Shareena Shahridan.

'Composition III' by Nafiz Ahmad Jaafar, 14 (CNB 2013)

Most interestingly, Nafiz Ahmad Jaafar is only 14 years old. Or rather 14 years young! Shareena Shahridan, also a jewelry designer, happens to be the spouse of Raja Azhar Idris. She designs exclusive handcrafted glass jewelry including pendants, earrings, bracelets, brooches, etc. We were lucky to meet her there and she explained some of the beautiful works of glass art and the meticulous methods of painting and sculpting glass.

'Paddy Field' by Shareena Shahridan (CNB 2013)

Glass artist/jewelry designer Shareena and I (2013)

According to Shareena, the Art Case will close its doors at the GEM at the end of March, and relocated in Bukit Antarabangsa. Hopefully I will still be able to visit their exhibits at the new site.

Art Case at GEM (CNB 2013)

Note: Do check out Raja Azhar Idris' folio at his website. It is indeed a feast for the eyes - I love the exquisite glass installations. Also his long 'journey with glass'. He has an eponymous book subtitled 'Fragility ... Versatility', published in 2006 in conjunction with his solo exhibition.
Ref: rajaazharidris.com. 
11 February 2013