Exhibition highlights dragon’s significance in Chinese culture

An art exhibition featuring dragons in Skudai, Johor is educating visitors on the legendary creature’s significance for the Chinese community.

Amir Hazim Shahar, 32, said he never realised that the dragon was held in such high esteem by the Chinese.

At the Year of the Dragon exhibition at Southern University College, Amir said he hoped to understand his neighbours better.

Renugala says festive celebrations are the best ways to learn about cultures and practices.

“I am glad that my friend took the time to explain to me the significance of the mythical creature.

“Before this, I only had an idea that the dragon was an auspicious character in Chinese culture but now I understand why it symbolises powerful and strong qualities.

“Growing up in Malaysia, we have some idea about each other’s cultures but often, it is only on a superficial level,” he said.

For S. Renugala, 43, festive celebrations were the best ways to learn about other cultures and practices.

Leong hopes to promote unity and harmony through the arts.

“I am glad that I work in a multicultural environment, which gives me the opportunity to learn how the Chinese celebrate the dumpling and winter solstice festivals in addition to the Lunar New Year.

“I am also very willing to share information about my own culture with my colleagues and friends, for example, what are the do’s and don’ts during Deepavali celebration.

“I hope that more people will spend time understanding our differences in order to become more accepting of each other,” said Renugala, a senior lecturer.

Miao Hua Oriental Art and Culture centre president Stephen Leong hopes to promote unity and harmony through the arts.

Leong said the new centre in Jalan Anggerik 37, Taman Johor Jaya, opened last year with the objective of promoting Asian and Western art.

“In the past few years, our group has been focusing on the traditional Chinese arts and we hope to welcome art enthusiasts from other races to join us because art is a great medium for cross-cultural exchange.

“Malaysians love sharing food especially during festive open houses.

“I do not see why we cannot also share our knowledge about arts and culture.

“I believe there is a lot we can learn from each other,” he said.

He added that he was fascinated by the architecture of mosques and Hindu temples and had the idea about incorporating Chinese art to come up with something new.

Leong, who has more than 50 years’ experience in the arts, said the centre also held an event before Chinese New Year.

“We organised Chinese paper-cutting and calligraphy workshops to get the younger generation excited about learning the traditional arts.

“Hands-on experience is an effective way to help them discover their talents and spark their interest,” he said. — YEE XIANG YUN