Soraya Yusof Talismail : Imaging Selfs

Once in a while a notable solo-exhibition comes along, and then there are two. Just like waiting for the Number 14 bus. Except, this exhibition, by SorayaYusof Talismail is 6500 miles from the Leibovitz show, and it so happens to coincide with my trip to KL. Soraya is a traditional portraitist photographer at its best.

In 'Imaging Selfs', a complete and accomplished body of work which started 15 years prior comes to fruition at the Galeri Petronas, KLCC in the form of 72 black and white portraits, sudies and installations of local Malaysian artistes and practitioners, including Yasmin Ahmad, Yee I Lann, and Ahmad Fuad Osman.

There are some memorable portraits which I particularly liked, mostly staged. A few are candid moments, like that of Yasmin Ahmad. The show is generally presented well, but I personally found the photo installations slightly out of place.

This is the first time I step foot at the Galeri Petronas, as my last 3 attempts over the last 2 years was unsuccessful. The gallery was in-between shows and thus closed. My 'Malaysians' and 'Outside Looking In : Kuala Lumpur' books are stocked at the little bookstore there, and that is open daily.

As a top gallery venue in KLCC, I was however a little disappointed that visitors have to check their own bags into little lockers not unlike those in a gym. They could at least have a proper system like in a hotel or function venue. They gallery lighting system is also patchy in some quarters.

All in all, definitely a show worth visiting, as Soraya's approach to her subjects is meticulous and her selection of subtle and some dramatic lighting lends to a variety of styles in her photography showing the breadth and depth in her work.

Imaging Selfs run till the 18th January 2009.
Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.galeripetronas.com.my
Tues - Sun 10am - 8pm
Free Admission