Some 420 scarecrows mounted at the Kota Seribong field here today have drawn a huge and curious crowd.
The organizers, however, were quick to assure the locals that the figures were not part of a ritual or a symbol of resistance for any cause, but merely a competition for an installation art exhibition.
Speaking to reporters, Persatuan Seniman dan Warisan (PESTA) Kelantan president Azman Daud said the competition was aimed at introducing installation art to the community, especially students.
He said the inaugural competition, which offers a total prize of RM20,000, successfully attracted about 40 participants comprising members of the association and members of the public.
“The competition this time around is themed on the scarecrow because the current generation does not seem to know that there used to be scarecrows in the paddy fields.
“There are two categories – individual and group. Throughout the competition, the participants must use discarded items such as twigs and old clothes to create scarecrows,” he said when met at the competition venue here.
Individual category first and third place winner, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mohamed, 60, said he submitted two entries, using discarded items such as rice straw and old clothes to create scarecrows.
The installation art exhibition will take place from Oct 9 to 20.
Sources: BERNAMA