Art from the Centre for Islamic Art Studies and Calligraphy under the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) is now open for public viewing, following the launch of the centre’s new art galleries officiated by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik in his capacity as the Chairman of the Committee of Governors of YSHHB.
The Centre for Islamic Art Studies and Calligraphy was initially established in 2013, where it was intended to provide services that can advance knowledge, skills and expertise surrounding Islamic art.
In his opening remarks, Second Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Mohd Yussof recounted the centre’s progress since it was opened.
“This centre aspires to produce experts among Bruneians who can master and grow the practice of Islamic art within the nation,” he said, adding that since 2017, the centre has implemented several short-term courses in Islamic calligraphy and art design.
According to the minister, a number of students have already utilised the skills gained by producing works of art that can generate additional income, with a number of them being featured in the centre’s gallery.
He also hoped that YSHHB’s Centre for Islamic Art Studies and Calligraphy would play a part in helping the government curb unemployment, by acting as an avenue to develop knowledge, skills as well as the entrepreneurial spirit among the country’s youth.
The Centre for Islamic Art Studies and Calligraphy features three galleries that are open for viewing, with each gallery highlighting one aspect of the world of Islamic art.
The galleries include the Lauhan Al-Islamiah which exhibits international art and artifacts that focus on Islamic calligraphy and illumination (zukhruf).
The Al-Aswad, on the other hand, involves displays that explore the development of Jawi writing skills while the At-Tasmeem gallery showcases works of Islamic interior design or decorative art.
With aims to uplift the practices of Islamic art, the centre has already been included in the country’s list of tourist destinations and is equipped with facilities that such as a musollah, a lecture hall, a studio space, a conference room, a souvenir shop and a cafe.
Following the launching ceremony, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik proceeded to tour the centre and its facilities, witnessing several works of calligraphy art as well as interacting with some of the staff members and students of YSHHB’s Centre for Islamic Art Studies and Calligraphy.
The centre is located at the YSHHB’s headquarters in Jalan Jerambak and is open to the public everyday from 9 am – 5 pm.
On Fridays, the gallery will be opened from 9 am – 12 pm in the morning and 1.30 pm – 5 pm in the afternoon.
The Bruneian | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
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