National Art Gallery Showcases BIMP-EAGA Contemporary Artworks

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The ‘Isle To Isle: A Reflection of BIMP-EAGA Through Contemporary Art’ (KePulauan: Refleksi BIMP-EAGA Melalui Seni Kontemporari) exhibition, showcasing contemporary artworks by artists from the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), is currently being held at the National Art Gallery.

The National Art Gallery said that the exhibition, taking place in Gallery 3A, is open to the public from today until May 31, 2026, featuring diverse artistic expressions, including mixed media, installations, paintings and photography, as well as audio and video works.

As part of the Cultural Diplomacy agenda, under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the exhibition aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation in the tourism and cultural sectors.

“The initiative also aligns with the BIMP-EAGA 2025 Vision, which is anchored on the principles of resilience, inclusivity, sustainability and economic competitiveness (R.I.S.E), and forms part of the activities held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, this year,” it said, in a statement.

The exhibition was officiated yesterday by MOTAC secretary-general, Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot. Also present were National Visual Arts Development Board director-general, Amerrudin Ahmad, along with curators and visual arts practitioners from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The National Art Gallery said that the exhibition highlights visual reflections by artists from the four nations, exploring themes of economy, social relations, environmental protection, science, and, most importantly, local wisdom, in the eastern ASEAN region.

This region encompasses Brunei; Indonesia’s Kalimantan corridor from Pontianak to Balikpapan, as well as Sulawesi and Maluku; Malaysia’s Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan; and the southern Philippines, including Mindanao and Palawan.

Among the participating artists are Josrie Haral, Muslim Mattajim, and Dr Mohamad Faizuan Mat, from Malaysia; Umi Zaty Bazillah Zakaria and Asilah Maziyah Mohamad Yussof, from Brunei; while the Philippines is represented by Chester M. Mato, Romy Jones Mata, Leonard B. Ansiong, Brendale Taj Hassan Tadeo, and Alynnah Macla.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is represented by Audro Chrustofel Rompas, along with two art collectives: Susur Galur from Pontianak, featuring Muchamad Riduwan, Tito Prastio, and Elfrida Citra Rominggagas; and Muara Suara from Samarinda, which includes Robby Octtavian, Prashasti Wilong Putri, and Rio Raharjo.

The exhibition, curated by Zakaria Omar from Brunei; I Wayan Seriyoga Parta and Gusti Hendra Pratama from Indonesia; and Al Nezzar B. Ali from the Philippines, features 12 artworks, including a special piece from the National Visual Art Collection by Malaysian artist Yee I-Lann.

The public is invited to explore the diverse artistic narratives from the BIMP-EAGA region, offering a platform for a deeper understanding of the cultural similarities and differences across the eastern part of Southeast Asia.

For more information, follow the National Art Gallery’s official social media channels or visit www.artgallery.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA