ONE of Malaysia's prominent legal firms, Shearn Delamore & Co has ventured into an uncharted territory, the world of arts exhibition. In a bid to support the local art scene, the firm has collaborated with LOOKISS gallery for an exhibition entitled Ad-Lib – a series featuring 13 contemporary oil paintings on canvas by artist Janiz Chan.

Chan's pieces explore the moods, emotions and moments of Malaysian women in the early part of the new millennium that emphasises soulful expressions essayed with unconventional brushstrokes and colours.

“The title of the exhibition defines my paintings and freedom of expression without any restrictions. I explore with colours and compositions to bring out the best of women's personalities,” said Chan.

“The focus is not on physical perfection as my intention is to capture the souls and emotions of a particular time.

“For example, one of my pieces depicts three women from different races waiting for a bus. It shows that no matter how different they are all of them share a common goal, to reach their desired destination.

“All the women do not know each other but they are connected physically and are brought together by the need to reach somewhere,” she said.

Chan said she believed in painting what was close to her heart and not just producing a pretty looking piece.

Shearn Delamore partner/head of business relations committee Jeyanthini Kannaperan said the firm's collaboration was in support of the local art scene.

“We have started displaying some of the pieces in our offices, which will be rotated monthly. We also featured one of Janiz's painting entitled Herald of the Fortune Oranges in our Chinese New Year card this year.

“It certainly gives us a great pleasure to co-host this exhibition.

“Many of us at the firm are avid collectors and have commissioned various paintings as well. We want to create a body of work that will be appreciated by everyone,” she said.

Jeyanthini said they hoped to kick start a new trend for the appreciation of arts.

The exhibition will be held until April 25. LOOKISS is located at No, Lorong Enau, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. For further information call 03-4257 7366 or visit www.lookissgallery.com.