Eclectic Ecstatic Community Art Night returns

KOTA KINABALU, Apr 26, 2014: The second installation of Eclectic Ecstatic, a successful community art night returns at El Centro. The theme of the event was ‘Art Heals.’

One of the main highlight was award-winning local naïve artist, Awang Fadilah and the Sabah Naïve Art Group. Over 50 of their artworks graced the walls of El Centro adding vibrant colours and unique visuals to the space of the event. These artworks will be on display for a month at El Centro and are available for sale.

Some of Sabah’s top local acts came to show their support including alternative-post rock band, Versatile; ukulele group, Orkes Akiuku; sister duo Alice Alive; and Jobless Giraffes which featured Scott Daryl Hadjiril from Diary of Us.

Other acts that took the stage were guitarist from melodic metal band A Million Evil Faces, Aized Emir Kual who performed with singer-songwriter Rozella; plus Joanna Quintin and Friends. Artist Deanna Maria Elizabeth also read some poetry and comedian Harjinder Kler kept the crowd roaring with laughter.

The event also saw international participants including back-by-popular-demand Rae Kissing Fire from the United States who entranced the crowd with a fire dance, and a very special performance by What a Hard Project, a creative duo that hails all the way from Spain and Argentina.

The main goal of the event was to give locals a platform and safe space to express themselves freely without any creative boundaries. According to the organizers, the theme ‘Art Heals’ was chosen this time as they realized, it is an important message that rings deep and true to many people including themselves.

“We all know what it feels like to be down or ill and have limited option to turn to for help, but art uplifts us. All art forms, from beading to painting and drumming to dancing, is a powerful tool to heal all aspects of us, and we would like to use art to support those who need them the most in the near future, but we first need to create awareness and raise funds for that. ” said Devi Kusardy Cox of TACKit.

“And as artists especially, there are many barriers which make it a real challenge to create and produce artworks, be it financial, society’s perception and judgment or other personal matters, but when we stay true to our passion and focus on doing what we love, our art is always there to give us strength, pushing us forward. ‘Art heals’ is an important message and having free community events like this, helps us spread the word.” added Rozella Mahjhrin of Contagious.

This is a non-profit community event and the organizers encourage people in the community to contribute in whatever way they can so that they can sustain Eclectic Ecstatic and continue providing a platform for creative individuals to showcase their talent.

Sponsorships for Eclectic Ecstatic are mostly based on trade system. Katie King of El Centro provided the space for free. The Sabah naïve art group is giving 30% off profits from sale of artworks. Charitable individuals like Borneo Magic Bead affiliated artist Saija Marit Wan from Sweden donated handmade bracelets for sale, and Dstaff partial sponsored the sound system.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ContagiousCreativeAgency or facebook.com/LetsTACKit.

 

 

- BorneoColours