private, non-profit foundation set up in 1991 by one of Malaysia's most prominent artist, Dato' Paduka Ibrahim Hussein. It is dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture of international stature. The open gallery currently exhibits mostly Dato' Ibrahim's works but in future will also feature collections of other prominent artists from around the world.

The museum, built on the edge of the rainforest, is a beautiful place and is the perfect home for the works of this world-renowned Malaysian artist.The centre is also the Langkawi retreat for "Ib", as Ibrahim Hussein is fondly known among his close friends and the international art circle.It is where he would disappear to with his wife and muse, Sim, when he cannot be found at his home in Kuala Lumpur's exclusive Pantai Hills.

The idea for the museum and cultural foundation came to him like a bolt of lightning one day many years ago. While languishing in his swimming pool he reflected on the paths he had taken through the years to establish a name. From poverty-stricken roots in Yan, Kedah,"Ib" realised he could make use of his success to help others and create a living centre for the arts. He wanted to show the world that art is the most important unifying force - a celebration of life that can help nations, races and religions come together as one.

The idea was that the museum would be built with minimal ecological disruption to the environment - "Ib" wanted it to be a living museum in the rainforest, which it is. He thought that Langkawi could become equally famous. He wanted to create an international art event and use his friends and contacts to make Langkawi known globally and for it to host artworks from all over the world.

"Ib" contacted the Prime Minister and he agreed that this was a good idea and approval for Government funding was given. So he started meeting with Ministry officials to discuss plans for the festival. They met many times and after a few meetings he realised that they had no integrity whatsoever and that they wanted to change the nature of the festival and make it touristy and tacky.

He said they started to change the direction of the whole project. They asked him to compromise with their plans but "Ib" stood his ground and said no. He then asked for a meeting with the Prime Minister again. They met and discussed the project and" Ib" said that his integrity as an artist could not be bought - no matter how much money he is given. 

It was then that he realised that he had to do this on his own - independent of the government officials. This was a tough decision as he had only one month to raise the funds and bring all the international artists to Langkawi. This was a really stressful time for Sim and "Ib" - he lost much weight and was full of anxiety. But it all happened. Many great artists came and it was a huge hit. "Ib" kicked the officials out and had a success!

That was years ago, but what about the festival now? According to "Ib", the latest festival was organised without him being informed although they still used the LIFA (Langkawi International Arts Festival) name. Now, it is no longer his concept. It is for tourists and is full of pseudo cultural groups. "Ib" is really disappointed.

But, "Ib", who is no stranger to abject poverty and hardship during his early days, persisted. Now he gets his strength from all the people who still come to visit the museum. He said the people who came were really moved - so he took the strength from that and thought there must be something good here.

Inside, the gallery is white and spacious, built over two floors. Immediately, upon entering you can see "Ib's" signature style lines. Scattered all over the upper floor of the gallery are tree branches, giant pea pods and gnarled tree trunks that he collected around his property -- all dressed in his colours. The door to the washroom has a poster promoting his paintings that were inspired by the literature of a female poet who wrote, " Give me the paradise of the end of spring...and I'll wrap for you an endless summer." Perhaps,  Ibrahim Hussein has found his paradise in this little cove by Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, and this is the endless summer he promised in return.

Ibrahim Hussein Art Profile:

• 1959-1963 Byam Shaw Scholarship London
• 1961-1962 Award of Merit (travelling scholarship to France and Italy)
• 1962-1963 Award of Merit
• 1963-1966 Royal Academy Scholarships
• 1964 Griffin Prize
• 1967 Fullbright Travelling Scholarship
• 1967-1968 John D Rockefellar III Fund Fellowship
• 1970 American Workshop Venice Italy
• 1970-1971 Lee Foundation Fellowship, University of Malaya
• 1984 XVIII Prix International D'Art Contemporian de Monte Carlo
• 1988 Japan Foundation Cultural Award
• 1993 Order of Andress Bello, Venezuela
• 1995 Order of Bernado O'Higgins, Chile
• AMN and KMN from the King of Malaysia Granted two "Datuk" titles
• Crystal Award, World Economic Forum, Switzerland
• 1997 Crystal Award, World Economic Forum, Switzerland

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