Roby Dwi Antono is part of the exhibition Symphony of Coexistence - Chinese and Southeast Asian Art Invitational Exhibitions, at Sichuan Art Museum, Cheng Du Shi, China.
The Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute planned and organized the event Symphony of Coexistence — Chinese and Southeast Asian Art Invitational Exhibition, which is regarded as a significant academic project in 2024, the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges. By holding the event, the museum aims to implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's proposal of building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, serve the goal of Belt and Road cooperation, and build the Symphony of Coexistence — Chinese and Southeast Asian Art Invitational Exhibition into not only an economic corridor but also a corridor for people-to-people and art exchanges. Moreover, it aims to promote the development of Chongqing as an exemplary inland city of opening up and improve Sichuan Fine Arts Institute's efforts of building itself into a double first-class university (with world-class ranking and first-class disciplines).
The basic idea behind the planning of this exhibition, from a globalized perspective, is to re-examine and review the distinctiveness and diversity brought forth by different regions participating in the process of globalization. An essential area of focus is the path toward modernity that has been constructed and explored based on historical context, social development, and national demand. In this light, the narratives of Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as the rise of China since the reform and opening-up and the Chinese experience, hold unique value and irreplaceable significance.
Symphony of Coexistence — Chinese and Southeast Asian Art Invitational Exhibition is an event for cultural identity, artistic innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. It showcases the diversity of art to the visitors and, more crucially, disseminates a message: Within this diverse, coexistent world, cultural exchanges and integration are important cornerstones for creating a harmonious and symbiotic human society. The power of art enables us to cross the divides of geography, language, and culture, fostering a deepened mutual understanding and promoting common development.
The launch of this exhibition is another testament to the long-term friendly cooperation between China and Southeast Asia in art and cultural exchanges. Nearly 100 works of art from 41 artists not only showcase the unique charm and richness woven from the interplay between traditional and modern, local and global dimensions of both China and Southeast Asia but also reflect the artists' contemplation and concerns regarding the current state of the world and its future development.
Taking this exhibition as an opportunity, we can work together to promote the exchanges of art and culture between China and Southeast Asia, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and make our efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind. We shall make art a bridge that connects different cultures, sparks creative inspiration, and promotes global peace and development. Also, we will promote the "Symphony of Coexistence" philosophy to flourish in the new phase of globalization. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to our academic advisors, Mr. Apinan Poshyananda and Mr. Peng Feng, for their strong support. I also appreciate help from Mr. Zheng Lin of Tang Contemporary Art, the efforts of participating artists, and people who care about and support the exhibition.
