IPOH: Art has become a powerful means of building connections between people, with its strength rooted in its capacity to inspire creativity, bring joy, and unite individuals.
Royal Artist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, better known as Lat, said people come together because of the humour found in cartoons and comics, illustrating how art contributes to unity.
"People unite through humour found in comics and caricatures in newspapers and magazines. For example, since the 1970s, my cartoons have been very popular in Malaysia, and Malaysians have responded positively to my drawings.
"Back then, my cartoons helped boost newspaper sales, and readers interacted with me by sharing their ideas. I have been drawing cartoons and comics for many years, which has taken me around the world since 1970.
"I worked for the New Straits Times for 40 years. As I have grown older, my ability to work as I once did has diminished, but I can still draw a little when requested by companies such as Petronas, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary." he said.
Lat shared his insights at the Art and Humanity Forum in conjunction with the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT 2024) at Hotel Casuarina @ Meru here, today.
The famous cartoonist noted that Malaysia's diverse population meant his drawings must resonate with people of various ages and backgrounds.
"When I was young and given the opportunity, I would ask what to draw. Many suggested focusing on people, which meant including characters from all ethnic groups living in Malaysia.
"The essence of life is in our behaviour, daily activities, and interactions. These ideas allow me to draw various subjects. I am sentimental, often starting with scenes of people eating in villages, small towns and big cities.
"I receive a lot of letters and praise, and I am delighted that people both in Malaysia and around the world appreciate my humorous work. This is why art is a medium that unites people as long as it is recognised," he said.
"I am glad I have done this for 40 years. As I have aged, I have somewhat lost touch with current events, and I hope the younger generation will continue this work," he said.
Another speaker, Malaysia Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kassim said museums fostered diversity and sustainability through various programmes that involved enjoyment, education, reflection, and knowledge sharing.
"So what is a museum? A museum is a place, a cabinet of curiosity, a custodian and keeper that disseminates knowledge to the public and educates people," he said, adding that there were 250 museums in the country to date.
He said exhibitions were the most recognisable aspect of museums to the general public, as they often associate museums primarily with exhibitions.
"But how do museums play their role in preserving and promoting heritage and cultural diversity? One way is through gazetting, which involves regulation and enforcement. We gazette artefacts that we believe have outstanding universal value and represent all races and religions in Malaysia," he said.
Another speaker, Singapore Malay Heritage Centre of Istana Kampung Gelam general manager Asmah Alias said in Singapore, people also associated museums with dusty places where past objects were kept.
"Sometimes, children are scared to enter museums because they appear quite dull. We need to maintain certain standards or lighting in museums to preserve and ensure that objects remain in good condition.
"So how can museums celebrate culture and heritage? In Singapore, every July 21 is dedicated to racial harmony. It is a day to celebrate and promote the diverse ethnic cultures of Singaporeans and how we come together as a nation," she said.