An artwork entitled A Woman for All Seasons IV by Bronwyn Bancroft from Australia, being displayed at BIG ONES LITTLE ONES “In My World” Brunei Exhibition. This artwork costs BND 8,450. You can view over 300 paintings at the Art Gallery, Dermaga Diraja (formerly known as the Waterfront) in town.

OVER 300 paintings from the ‘Big Ones Little Ones (BOLO)’ collection are currently on display and purchasable at the Art Gallery of the Dermaga Diraja BSB in the capital, from now until February 19.

The exhibition was yesterday launched by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, in the presence of, among others, Professor Marie Roslyn Bashir, the Governor of New South Wales, Australia.

The special exhibition showcasing the collection of Big Ones Little Ones comprises artworks from over 30 countries around the world. The collection, founded by Trish Amichi of Amichi Gallery, is based in Sydney, Australia.

The exhibition was organised by the Brunei Museum Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Digital Impression.

The programme aims to provide children (little ones), particularly those with special needs, and those from remote areas, an opportunity and a platform to communicate graphically to adults (big ones) and viewers alike of their perception of the world. This will ultimately foster a better understanding of their diverse culture and backgrounds.

A total of 168 pupils from 23 primary schools in Brunei are taking part in the programme, alongside renowned local artists. The work of Brunei’s little ones will become part of the BOLO collection and will travel to other venues.

The exhibition is open to public from January 20 to February 19.

Trish Amich, founder of BOLO, believes that cross-cultural arts/education programme plays a role in child development and education

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports was present for the official opening of BOLO Exhibition

Some of the invited guests for the BOLO Exhibition

50% of the sales will be donated to a Bruneian charity which is yet to be determined. For those wokrs that do not sell, some of them will be donated to a children’s hospital.

The BOLO collection has travelled to a number of venues in Australia and other countries, connecting people and promoting understanding and tolerance through art. Since its establishment in 2004, it has travelled to 10 different venues, including Sharjah, United Arab Emirates and China.

The ‘In My World’ theme has been specifically selected for the Brunei event. This is relevant to the programme as it captures a child’s view of the world and how his view will be translated, and appreciated by the wider world of the Big Ones.

Apart from showcasing the collection and helping create a more peaceful, harmonious and inclusive world, the programme also aims to give art lovers, collectors as well as artists the opportunity to contribute to charitable organisations, as the artworks are for sale and the proceeds from Little Ones will, in part, go to charity.

Dato Paduka Ar Hj Idris BH Abas, the co-chairman of the BOLO Exhibition (Brunei Darussalam) said, BOLO Brunei exhibition was made possible thanks to the hard work of committee members and cooperation between the private sector and the government.

The exhibition is supported Royal Brunei, Standard Chartered Bank, Arkitek Idris and other supporting sponsors and media partners.

At the launch yesterday, Dato Paduka Ar Hj Idris said, “Through this BOLO programme, we are giving opportunity to all – especially the deprived children and those students from the rural/remote schools – to participate and expose their talents in art and creativities.

“For this programme, we have already conducted one workshop for selected students from about 10 schools. We will then select some of the good artworks to be part of the BOLO collection, which will then travel to other countries’ exhibition just like what we have conducted today – the exhibition in Brunei Darussalam.

“As as avid supporter of arts and in recognition and promotion of local artists, I regard this exhibition as an opportunity for the children (especially for those with special needs) and youths to showcase their talents and skills as their means of communicating and conveying their thoughts, views and dreams.” Text courtesy of Azaraimy HH of Borneo Bulletin.

 

Click image to University Cup 2013 Facebook page

It’s a pity that UNISSA “A” failed to make the cut. Their final match in the group stage was academic as they won’t be able to reach top two in Group A. Ironically UNISSA “A” is undefeated and yet they didn’t make it through (1 win, 3 draws). However, they have a good finisher, Julzani Hj Zaini who scored his a hat-trick yesterday in a 4-0 win over Brunei Polytechnic “B” at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club yesterday. This is second hat-trick of the tournament and he has seven goals to his name so far. Amazing!!

UNISSA “A” finished third in Group A with no more matches remaining while the UBD “A” and ITB “A” will fight for the bragging rights for Group A sometime this week and both teams have actually qualified for the semi-finals regardless of the outcome.

In Group B, KUPUSB “A” will take on UNISSA “B” on the 25th January though both sides will be playing for pride unless UNISSA “B” can score more than 11 goals to better their goal difference. UBD “B” still have a mathematical chance to qualify when they take on ITB “B” on the same day. Brunei Polytechnic “A” is likely to qualify for the semi-finals should UBD “B” fail to win against ITB “B” this Friday. So there are still points to play for in Group B.

For more updates and pictures of the matches, you can click here to view them. The Facebook page is pretty updated and the committee have worked tiredlessly to provide the information on every match. Thumbs up to them!!

The pictures below are courtesy of Azizi@Azri, taken from BIBD At-tamwil University Cup facebook page.

The match between UNISSA “A” and Brunei Polytechnic “B”

The match between UNISSA “A” and Brunei Polytechnic “B”

The match between UNISSA “A” and Brunei Polytechnic “B”

Julzani celebrated after scoring for UNISSA “A”. He was Man of the Match with his hat-trick effort.

 

I’m amazed by the collections on display especially the figurines by six local collectors who brought their personal collection, mostly from Hot Toys. I know in Singapore that they have dedicated shops selling such figurine and it’s not available here in Brunei. The toy display was part of Toyland Adventure event which took place at Mabohai Shopping Complex.

Muaz, one of the collectors who showcased his Ironman collection, said that he spent a few thousands on his collections.

For your info, the Brunei Usergroup Lego and Technic (BULAT) will be having a display next week and it’s organised by Forevershine and the event is sponsored by ToysRus and it will also take place at Toyland Adventure at Mabohai Shopping Complex .