National Art Gallery showcases reflection of BIMP-EAGA through contemporary art
The exhibition opens to the public from today (July 18) until May 31, 2026 at Gallery 3A of the National Art Gallery om Kuala Lumpur.
Officiated by MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, the exhibition is part of a cultural diplomacy initiative under the MOTAC Strategic Plan 2021-2025, particularly in strengthening strategic partnerships in the tourism and cultural sectors.
It also aligns with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 which is based on the principles of Resilience, Inclusivity, Sustainability and Economic Competitiveness (RISE) besides being in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship this year.
Among others, this exhibition highlights visual interpretations by artists from all four countries by focusing on themes such as economic activity, social connections, environmental care, knowledge and the unique local wisdom that defines the eastern ASEAN region.
Very broadly the BIMP-EAGA region covers the entire Brunei, the Kalimantan corridor in Indonesia from Pontianak to Balikpapan, the Sulawesi and Maluku regions, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan as well as the southern Philippines, including the islands of Mindanao and Palawan.
Artists and curators
The Malaysian artists featured in this exhibition are Josrie Haral, Muslim Mattajim and Dr Mohamad Faizuan Mat. Brunei is represented by Umi Zaty Bazillah Zakaria and Asilah Maziyah Mohamad Yussof.
From the Philippines, the participating artists are Chester M. Mato, Romy Jones Mata, Leonard B. Ansiong, Brendale Taj Hassan Tadeo and Alynnah Macla.
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 featuring Robby Ocktavian, Prashasti Wilujeng Putri and Rio Raharjo.
Regional curators have also played a vital role in shaping the curatorial direction of the exhibition, including Zakaria Omar (Brunei Darussalam), I Wayan Seriyoga Parta and Gusti Hendra Pratama (Indonesia) as well as Al Nezzar B. Ali (the Philippines).
All in all, the exhibition showcases a variety of artistic expressions, including mixed media, installations, paintings, photography, audio and videography.
A total of 12 artworks are exhibited, including one artwork from the National Visual Art Collection by Malaysian artist Yee I-Lann.
More information on the exhibition can be obtained from www.artgallery.gov.my. – July 18, 2025
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