THE BRUSHED MARK.studio

Placement at Artemis Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2015)

As part of my studies at Coventry University, I undertook a professional placement through the Global Careers Module, which provided an opportunity to gain first-hand experience within the contemporary art industry.

In 2015, I completed my placement at Artemis Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I worked as a Gallery Assistant. This experience offered invaluable insight into the day-to-day operations of a commercial gallery, from exhibition preparation and artwork handling to artist relations and public engagement. It was my first experience working within an international art environment and played a significant role in shaping my understanding of the relationship between artistic practice and the art market.

During my time at Artemis Art Gallery, I had the privilege of meeting and learning from a diverse range of contemporary artists, including Dedy Sufriadi (Indonesia), Justin Y (Hong Kong), Haris Rashid, and many others. These encounters broadened my perspective on contemporary art practices across Asia and provided a deeper appreciation of the cultural and professional networks that sustain the global art world.

I also participated alongside Artemis Art Gallery in the Coffee & Art Fringe Festival Asia (CAFFA) 2015. That year marked the introduction of a new component known as the ART Project, an initiative designed to support emerging local artists and designers through a series of exhibitions, events, and collaborative projects. Being involved in the festival allowed me to observe how galleries engage with wider audiences and create opportunities for artists beyond traditional exhibition spaces.

The placement was an important step in my professional development, strengthening both my practical knowledge and my confidence in pursuing a future within the arts. It offered a valuable understanding of gallery management, curatorial practice, and the wider ecosystem of the contemporary art industry.

I remain deeply grateful to the founders of Artemis Art Gallery, U.C. Loh and S. Jamal Al-Idrus, for their generosity, mentorship, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience. Their support made this placement a memorable and formative chapter in my artistic journey.