#9 Mark Tan, 2023 Khazanah Arts Residency
50 opportunities for 50 years
“My work revolves around the ideas of place, memory and identity. I am constantly interested in how places shape us, build communities and vice versa.”
Mark Tan is an artist based in Kuala Lumpur whose practice is concerned with the methodologies of mark-making.
Mark is one of two artists selected from a shortlist of six to take part in the 2022/23 Khazanah Nasional Residency - a 12-week residency programme for emerging Malaysian artists, based at an Acme building in London.
An initiative under the Khazanah Residency Programme, these annual opportunities are designed to develop and prepare young artists for the next growth phase in their professional careers. The residency includes a bursary, rent-free work/live studio space and access to mentoring.
Commenting on the programme, Dato' Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad says:
“Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) is proud to have partnered with Acme since 2017 in providing opportunities for emerging Malaysian artists to be exposed to the international art scene, and in turn, expand their experience, artworks, and connections globally. The partnership through Khazanah Arts Residency programme also provides our local artists the opportunity to experiment with new ideas, be more innovative and develop new art pieces. Khazanah has sponsored eight emerging artists for this residency since then, with many claiming that they have had “life-changing” experiences during their time in London.
Upon completion of their residency at Acme, these artists have returned to Malaysia and contributed towards nation-building. As a way of paying it forward, they’ve showcased their works in their own exhibitions, inspiring other local artists, in the process.
Khazanah’s continued support for this residency is also aligned with our focus of building capacities and vibrant communities under our strategic imperative of Advancing Malaysia. By developing and offering opportunities for new talents, preserving history, culture, arts and heritage, we are able to provide societal and economic values for the communities in advancing the country. We thank Acme in joining us in this endeavour and are excited for many more fruitful collaborations in the future.”
“With the support of the programme, I feel artists such as myself will get the exposure and experience needed that will propel our careers to greater heights.”
Mark Tan
“The Acme studio space is very well equipped and that eased my transition from Kuala Lumpur to London,” Mark says, which helped him “start making art in no time”.
He has also appreciated the community aspects of the residency, giving a huge shout out to the previous artists that were kind enough to leave behind some art materials and tools for his disposal. “I will definitely carry on this kind gesture to the next creative that will occupy this studio space.”
Mark intends on spending his time in London pursuing and developing his printmaking techniques. “I hope to be able to learn from the best practitioners in this field and apply it to my art in the studio.”
He feels that studios like this are important as a space where “creative ideas can be realised” as well as “a safe space for projects/discussions/collaboration to take place that can potentially change the course of our careers.”
Mark is looking forward to expanding his knowledge and skills through this residency experience and “sharing it with everyone upon my return!”