The United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted an Art in Embassies (AIE) Exhibition at the US ambassador’s residence in Jalan Tungku recently.
The exhibition, themed ‘Oceans and Coastlines We Share’, featured American contemporary art and highlighted the ocean’s role in culture and sustainability.
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland underlined the mutual interest between the US and Brunei in maritime preservation during her welcoming speech.
“Our countries have been defined by our access to the sea, and we both understand the importance of open sea navigation to our economic prosperity. Above all, we share a collective commitment to preserving the environment for our future generations,” said the envoy.
The artwork displayed at the ambassador’s residence featured a common theme of water and coastlines.
Some notable pieces included ‘Gyre’ by Julie Kornblum, which is made up of plastic waste found on shores, and ‘Into Water’ by Crystal Worl. The latter is a collaboration between AIE and the Institute of American Indian Arts, highlighting the diversity of Native American contemporary art.
The AIE, which entered its 60th year of its establishment, is a US Department of State programme that creates vital cross-cultural dialogue and fosters mutual understanding through the visual arts and dynamic artist exchanges.
AIE develops and presents approximately 60 exhibitions per year and has installed over 70 permanent art collections in more than 200 of the department’s diplomatic facilities in 189 countries.
“If we go back to its origins, the project was signed by former US president Kennedy in 1963, in a period marked by Cold War tensions. Through this wonderful programme, US ambassadors’ residences around the globe were able to share a universal language, that is the joy of art,” said the ambassador. – Adib Noor
