23 artworks showcased at ‘Behind the Praise’ exhibition at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Seri Ipoh
By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Each painting displayed at the Behind the Praise exhibition at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Seri Ipoh carries multiple interpretations and profound messages.
Students put considerable effort and dedication into completing their Semester Three 2026 Visual Arts Exhibition project, held on Thursday.
They had from July to November to produce their artworks.
A total of 23 two-dimensional artworks, comprising paintings and drawings, were displayed at Dewan Seri Ipoh under the theme ‘Unsung Heroes’, highlighting the fact that not every act of service comes with applause.
All the Form Six students involved successfully presented their individual works, with some conveying messages based on personal experiences, family sacrifices, and their perspectives on the people around them.
The exhibition was organised by the school’s Visual Arts Department and guided by two teachers, Hashim Arshad and Nurul Sarah Hijazi.
It was also managed by the Semester Three Visual Arts students themselves, led by curator Nurul Aireen Mohd Fadzli.
According to its director, Mohamad Azizi Shamsudin, visual arts play an equally important role in everyday life, just like other professional fields.
He said this should dispel the perception held by certain quarters that students pursuing the arts were marginalised or had chosen it as a last resort.
“Art students and those in the arts are not necessarily less capable. We can see the contributions of artists in medical illustrations, particularly in drawing the human heart and organs.
“These illustrations have served as important references for specialist doctors from the past until today. Those pursuing the arts should be proud of their chosen field,” he said when officiating at the programme.
Among the unsung heroes highlighted in the exhibition were burger sellers, e-hailing drivers, nurses, cleaners, gravediggers, and food and beverage industry workers.
Nurul Aireen said the artworks allowed visitors to appreciate sacrifices that might have been taken for granted but held great value in everyday life.
“Not every sacrifice receives applause, not every contribution is recognised, and not every hero is appreciated.
“However, that does not mean their sacrifices are without value.
“Perhaps the heroes we have been searching for are not somewhere far away, but are the people who have always been close to us,” she said.
Some students used charcoal to create more striking visual effects, although the technique was described as somewhat challenging.
Others opted for acrylic and oil paints, soft pastels and mixed media.
The programme also attracted many visitors, including parents, who came to show their support and view the students’ artworks, which were open to the public.
