Sabah artist dreams of a more vibrant Laman Seni in KK

 By Olivia Miwil - July 25, 2023 @ 6:27pm

Rosmaini Sunarjo, 42, giving final touch on his "Dream Theatre" artwork at Laman Seni here. His acryllic-on-canvas piece is to be submitted as an entry for the Sabah Annual Art Selection competition. - NSTP/OLIVIA MIWIL

KOTA KINABALU: Despite having a space at Laman Seni here, Rosmaini Sunarjo still struggles to survive as a full-time artist.

Located at the centre of the city, the premises next to the Sabah Cultural Complex is meant for artists to showcase and sell their works to the public.

However, a check at the area revealed poorly maintained drains, lighting and piping.

"Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, this place attracted many people, including tourists.

"But after two years, there seems to be very few people coming here. I am not sure why. Could it be due to a lack of promotion?

"I use my space for storage now and will probably set it up as a gallery next year," he said in an interview while giving the final touches to an acrylic painting he titles "Dream Theatre" that he will submit to the Sabah Annual Art Selection competition.

The 42-year-old artist has been renting the space for RM350 a month since 2016.

Rosmaini has been drawing since primary school and also does other art, such as sculptures and murals, to earn additional income.

Known for his lowbrow art style, he is able to earn up to RM4,000 for his paintings and more for other projects.

"As an artist in Sabah, it is not easy and the income is just enough to survive.

"Unlike in Kuala Lumpur, there is greater appreciation for the arts among the people there. When we went to Kuala Lumpur, it only took a while, and all of our works were sold out.

"The people there are more open and eager to spend their money on art."

He said in Sabah, people think twice about spending money on paintings and other art.

"It is also because of the purchasing power here compared with Kuala Lumpur, where salaries are higher," said Rosmaini, who is one of the Wonders of Wilderness (WOW) team members.

If the art scene in Sabah continues to remain stagnant, he said he might move to Kuala Lumpur to ensure his passion survives.



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