REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- House of Representatives (DPR) Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon officially inaugurated the Second Sumatra Biennale, which features an art exhibition and discussion at the Cultural Park of West Sumatra in Padang, West Sumatra Province.
The biennale, which is open to the public from Monday (Nov. 10) to Tuesday (Nov. 25), has the participation of artists from different areas on the island of Sumatra. During the event, 61 artworks, including paintings, installations, and murals will be showcased.
"This is an important event as it is the first biennale organized in Indonesia. The biennale is usually held at the municipal level. So, this biennale can embrace all artists from Aceh Province to Lampung Province in Sumatra Island," Fadli Zon announced here on Monday night.
He affirmed that Sumatra has several cultural attractions that can be developed, including its artworks. The Cultural Park could be developed as a museum to display these works, so that they can be showcased to the people around the world.
"A civilized nation is a nation that respects its culture. When we appreciate artworks, sculptures, and other art forms passed through the generations, then we can say that we are a civilized nation," he pointed out.
According to him, the symbols of civilization were often depicted through these artistic and intellectual works.
"This exhibition, hopefully, could be the initial step in the process of gaining a better understanding and a sense of appreciation for our own cultural works including the works of artists," he remarked.
In the meantime, the West Sumatra Province Governor Irwan Prayitno also lauded the exhibition.
He was optimistic that the exhibition can be held consecutively for the next two years, so that it can motivate the people from varied social and cultural backgrounds, especially the younger generation.
The works at the Second Sumatra Biennale titled "Connect" were selected from about 130 works submitted by artists throughout Sumatra. Its curator is from the Indonesian National Gallery Asikin Hasan.
Apart from the art exhibition, the event will also feature a workshop, an art discussion, and a painting competition among the students themed, "Education Program of Sumatra Biennale for Students."
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