AN ART exhibition featuring selected entries from the Creative Portrait Competition of Sabah Leaders 2026 was held as part of the Golden Jubilee commemoration of the Double Six Tragedy.
The Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s (DBKK) Department of Research and Innovation Director Fauziahton Ag Samad
(pic) said it was not only to honour the leaders involved in the tragedy but encourage public participation in remembering a defining chapter in Sabah’s history.
“Rather than simply remembering the tragedy, we wanted participants to understand the leaders involved and express that understanding through their artwork. The competition gave them an opportunity to reflect on Sabah’s history while showcasing their creativity,” she said.
The competition was divided into three categories: primary school students aged 10 to 12, secondary school students, and a category for higher education students and members of the public.
“The response exceeded expectations, with approximately 100 artworks submitted,” she added, highlighting the role of creative expression in keeping historical narratives relevant.
“For younger participants, many of whom were born decades after the tragedy occurred, the project provided an opportunity to learn about an important event in Sabah’s political history through research and creative engagement rather than through textbooks alone,” she explained.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at the Double Six Gallery, Sembulan, until the end of the year, allowing visitors to view the winning entries and selected artworks.
