Malaysia Eye art exhibition at Nolias 11

The exhibition at Nolias 11 in Stamford Street is a joint initiative by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and the Morne Art Gallery.

The exhibition, opened on Saturday by former Fringe Report editor John Park, showcases works both modern and traditional by Malaysian artists reflecting the country's multi-cultural and multi-ethnic background. MATRADE claim that this is the largest event of its kind to have been held by either organisation in the capital.

MATRADE CEO Datuk Dr Wong Lai Sum says: "Artistic creativity on our local soil gives birth to a vibrant array of works peppered with positive social and cultural commentary.

"We are excited about the platform as a means to promote as well as create greater awareness of the montage of talent that Malaysia has to offer to art patrons, collectors, gallery owners and supporters of the arts in the UK."

Curator Gillian Best Powell, writing in the souvenir catalogue, says: "The interesting thing is that on viewing the artworks it is impossible to classify them as being from any one part of the world.

"They hold their weight when compared with the artworks seen in other galleries in London, Paris or New York."

The show is being staged at Nolias II due to the long association of owner Nolia Devlin with the promotion of new artists and creative young people in her home area in Malaysia as well as Southwark. Her initiatives include turning a derelict shop at Langkawi into an art gallery.

Among many colourful works are watercolours by Makmur Jantan (My Father's Village) and Md Sani Md Dom (Mangrove Swamp) which Nolia highlighted to guests as depicting traditional raised rural residences which she has known herself

• Malaysia Eye runs until 30 October