By Willy Wilson | August 10, 2009

Gallery Tangsi: A Sanctuary for Contemporary Arts

It is almost impossible to discard Gallery Tangsi when talking about the local art scene, considering there is only a handful of gallery that is dedicated to contemporary art, the legendary Loke Yew building the gallery occupies and, of course, the beautiful, delightful and amiable gallery owner, June Baharuddin.

Galeri Tangsi Contemporary Art is the brainchild of philantrophist and business figure, the late YAM Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who focuses on hosting quality exhibitions and the promotion of contemporary art in Malaysia.

Occupying a beautiful heritage building built in 1907 by tin-miner and municipal councilor Loke Chow Kit, Gallery Tangsi clutches a sizeable enigmatic air to it, of which June describes, “A cultural spirit that connects to my soul on both creative and intellectual level.”

According to June, the name ‘Tangsi’ was adapted in respect of the street address the building is located. Ironically, ‘tangsi’ in Bahasa Malaysia stands for a thin fine line of nylon - used by art galleries to hold/hang paintings. “It was a lovely coincidence!” she chuckles.  

Since its inception in October 1997, Galeri Tangsi has grown both in scope and size. The pure and sincere intention to develop and promote art run through the gallery’s vein, and the untiring effort put by June has helped cultivate the local contemporary artists.

Considered one of the more established art galleries in Kuala Lumpur, Galeri Tangsi Contemporary Art has always incited interest through exhibitions that provoked and nourished the minds of artists and enthusiasts alike and yet nothing satisfies June.

“I want to do something different this year, “says June, referring to a solo exhibition that is dedicated to an artist.  “I think some Malaysian artists are ready for solo exhibitions,” she adds.

It is her ambition, too, to bring international interests to Malaysian art. Having international artists to showcase their works in Malaysia was done by her.  Who could forget the remarkable ‘Vanity’ exhibition featuring Italian-Brazillian artist, Luiz Allegretti – but that is still not enough for June.

Such determination is what keeps her going, and it reflects in the way the gallery functions too.
Gallery Tangsi has always been involved in cultivating, motivating and inspiring emerging and established artists.  Indeed, Gallery Tangsi helps artists establish a firm footing in the Malaysian art industry.

Apart from showcasing the best of Malaysian and international arts, Galeri Tangsi Contemporary Art is a fine art service provider. This service is dedicated to special consultation, conservation and evaluation of artworks for art collectors and public corporations.