Promote Russian Culture To Malaysians Via Cultural Programmes - Russian Artist

By Nabilah Saleh KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- In a move to constantly promote Russian culture and art in Malaysia, Russian-born artist and writer Natalya Bronzova has embarked on various cultural initiatives such as the Saujana Russia programme. Bronzova, who clinched the title ‘Queen of Substance’ and became the 2nd runner-up of the Mrs Malaysia Global Universe beauty contest held in Johor Baharu (capital city of Malaysia's southern state Johor) last year, said she would contest in an upcoming international beauty pageant called Mrs Asia Pacific International 2019 in May in Johor Baharu, which she certainly sees as an opportunity to further strengthen collaboration in numerous culture-related projects. “I make most of my time in Malaysia, although I have travelled a lot to many countries in Asia. As Malaysia is so special to me, I set up Saujana Russia comprising 12 Malaysian artists. “My painting inspirations are mostly based on my knowledge, fantasies, history and legends. Thus, I believe this effort will definitely increase awareness on the Malaysia-Russia relationship, especially in the field of art and culture,” she told Bernama on the sidelines of ‘Queen’s Ball’ held here recently in her honour. The event was attended by Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT or ) chairman Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, popularly known as Datuk DJ Dave, and Tajikistan Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Muzaffar Muhammadi. Bronzova, a painter and sculptor herself, said the Saujana Russia received support from the Russian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. She plans to organise a Saujana Russia exhibition here this June and another exhibition the following year. On her plans for upcoming beauty pageant Mrs Asia Pacific International 2019 in Johor Baharu, she excitedly replied that the Kebaya would definitely be her priority. "I love beautiful clothes, actually one of the reasons why I like Asia is because Asians love to dress. Kebaya, one of Malaysian traditional attire, is one of those beautiful clothes that I wish to wear during the competition,” said Bronzova. Bronzova, who had organised social and art events in the Philippines, Moscow, Montreal and New York, had also coordinated the 'bronze art casting' programme at Malaysia's National Visual Arts Gallery in 2015. The author of seven books has also participated in various joint art exhibitions in Malaysia. Edited by Gerald Raja -- BERNAMA