This year’s programme identity is inspired by the 2022 Southeast Asia Painting of the Year, Chomrawi Suksom’s Dystopia (Photo: UOB Malaysia)
Few things in life have proven their ability to stand the test of time and space the way art has for centuries. Through various movements and mediums, it connects artist and audience on an emotional and spiritual level, often with little to no words being said.
It is this acute power of art that UOB’s 13th annual Painting of the Year (POY) (Malaysia) competition recognises. Open to established and aspiring artists, it aims to nourish and embolden participants in their talents, and offer them a chance to gain recognition for their work on the international stage.
This year’s programme identity is inspired by the 2022 Southeast Asia Painting of the Year, Chomrawi Suksom’s Dystopia. The evolving sphere design illustrates how our world is always transforming, even in adversity.
As part of UOB’s effort to “make art more accessible to the wider community”, the competition also hopes to shine a light on the rich cultures of Southeast Asia, says CEO Ng Wei Wei. “The beauty of art is that it also brings communities closer together,” she adds.
Judges for 2023 are Bibi Chew, Choy Chun Wei and Ahmad Fuad Osman. The winner will receive a cash prize of RM100,000 and go on to compete with those from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam for the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year award. It comes with an additional RM13,000 prize and a residency programme at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan.
UOB Malaysia will also award RM16,000 to the most promising artist of the year from the Emerging Artists category.
Submissions, open to all Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, will close on July 31. More information is available at UOBandArt.com.
This article first appeared on July 10, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
