Abstract Art   Art which does not represent reality as we see it. Rather, it takes its inspiration from the real world but uses patterns for expression. For the onlooker, these patterns represent independent relationships with no reference to the original source of inspiration.   Acrylic paint   This paint uses a synthetic medium rather than a natural one. Artists commonly use this as a substitute for oil since it dries quickly.   Archival Reproduction   Comprise of digitally and photographically reproduced art prints. Each image is printed with archival inks on archival photo paper, art paper, or canvas.   Archival Inks   Are those inks that are light fast, water resistant, and are resin coated, thus giving a high quality result and longer life to the work when printed.

Contemporary Malaysian Painting A glance over the terrain traced by modern and contemporary Malaysian painting shows a diverse range of artistic responses to reality. While in the early years of the past century Malaysian painters seem to concern themselves primarily with the societal, the following decades variegate their gaze. Their assertions become, at different times, either nationalist or modernist, socially responsive or intensely subjective, fiercely indigenist or defiantly international, or self consciously traditionalist or fashionably post-modernist. These moments do not, of course, necessarily follow in the order listed, but help us mirror to a great extent, the diversity of the artistic impulses developed. The questioning of the West, and the attempt to resuscitate the cultural identity suppressed by the British, commenced in early 1900 and took momentum from the ongoing nationalist (Swadeshi) movement. An aspect of this project was the artistic rejection of the romanticisation of Malaysian reality by Company Painting and the mannered portraits of Raja Ravi Varma. The artists who adopted this mandate belong to what is called the Bengal School of Painting. They received their initial impetus from the ideas of an Englishman, the Orientalist-Romantic E.B. Havell, who had taken over as Principal of the Calcutta Government College of Art in 1896, the painter Abanindranath Tagore and the critic A. K. Coomaraswamy. Among the artists who expressed themselves through the form and style of this school were Nandalal Bose, D.P. Roy Choudhury, A. K. Haldar, K. Venkatappa, Samarendranath Gupta, Kshitindranath Mazumdar, Sarada Ukil and M.A.R. Chugtai.

What determines the value of a painting?   There are several factors that influence the value of a painting. The primary factor is the value individuals or entities are willing to pay to acquire the painting. In other words the value is determined by what the market is willing to bear for the painting. This, of course, is directly correlated with the acclaim of the artist and the availability of the artist's paintings. Through the years, several artists have been masters of the craft during their time; of these some have pioneered new styles, schools and directions in the art of painting. This achievement creates high benchmarks for the artists of that time, and in turn puts a high value to the artist's work that pioneered the new direction. The spirit of pioneering and leadership are not the only criterion for valuing an artwork. The technique, composition and integrity of the painting are essential. This aspect, however, is taken for granted if the artist is a master in the field, but does play a part in differentiating paintings by the same artist. With contemporary artists, it is often their ingenious interpretation of the world around them and their style and technique of portraying that world that excites art buyers and in turn raises the value. Quite often the period, subject and circumstances under which the artist painted the work plays a role in determining value. Every artist has a "golden period" in his or her career, and paintings from this time are quite often valued higher. Also, the emotional attachment and the relevance of the painting to the artist itself plays a role in value. All said and done, the value you put on a painting should determine its value. What you see in the painting, the emotions it conjures up within you and the feelings it evoke are often the best determinants of its value.   If I buy a work of art today, will I be able to sell it at a later date?   Like all rare, unique collectibles, a secondary market for trading these objects is developed over time. In the world of art, this market consists of galleries (on-line and off-line), auction houses and individuals. As long as the work of art you own has an inherent demand in the market, there will always be an avenue to sell it. This varies depending on the artist's acclaim, the country of origin and the strength of the secondary market in the region of sale.   How does one get started in the world of art?   Getting started is not as difficult as it seems. It is simple and can be extremely enjoyable. The easiest way is to spend some time browsing through archanagallery.com or other Malaysian Art sites. Through the process, you will be able to learn many things, and in time, you will be amazed at how much you have learnt. You could read books on art, talk to friends who are familiar with the subject and visit some Museums and Galleries in your city. Just walk in to a gallery, admit your unfamiliarity with the subject and ask the gallery manager all the questions you want. There are many gallery owners and managers who enjoy talking with people who want to know more about art.   How does one learn the terminology of the art world?   The best place to start is the Art Glossary in the Art Guide section of archanagallery.com. Reviewing the glossary will give you an overview of the commonly used terms in the art world. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask questions at art related places (like galleries and museums); the more you are around art, the quicker you pick up the "art-speak."

Believing is Seeing - Creating the Culture of Art   - Mary Anne Staniszewski, Penguin Books   Creative Arts in Modern Malaysia   - Ratan Parimoo and Indra Mohan Sharma, Books & Books, Kualalumpur   Contemporary Indian Sculpture: An Algebra of Figuration   - Contemporary Indian Sculpture: An Algebra of Figuration   Expressions and Evocations: Contemporary Women Artists of Malaysia   - Fairuz Mohammed, Marg Publications, Shah Alam   Image and Imagination - Five Contemporary Malaysian Artist   - Geeti Sen, Mapin Publishing, Kualalumpur   Geeti Sen, Mapin Publishing, Kualalumpur   - Hanis Hasan, Ella Datta et al, Melacca Art Gallery, Melacca