In this work by the artist group Seringgit, icons of wayang puppets interplay with whimsical modern imagery. (JP/Azizah Seise)

Facing a world that is moving closer together and is forming alliances and coalitions, it is important to get to know your partner's way of thinking -- their mentality, culture and traditions.

Indonesia as a member of ASEAN is part of one such coalition. It has to work together with its regional neighbors on issues concerning trade, economy and other highly political topics, which are often of little interest to the general public.

Sometimes there is an article in the local newspaper about a Thai official visiting Jakarta or about the Indonesian Foreign Minister meeting his colleague in Vietnam. But this news is quite abstract, revealing nothing about the people in Thailand or the traditions in Vietnam.

To bring other cultures and traditions closer to people's understandings and horizons, different mediums have to be used -- mediums that talk to the people.

Besides literature, documentaries and music, one such medium is the visual arts. In this context they are able to reveal much about our neighbor's culture and mentality. Visual arts are universally accepted as a part of everyone's heritage. Every people has this as part of their tradition.

The current exhibition T.V.I.M. (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia) of Southeast Asian artists, organized by the artist group Seringgit and held at Jogja Gallery, is a good example of introducing Indonesia's neighbors through visual art.

The exhibition gives Indonesians the chance to understand and experience a part of their neighbors' cultures.

How does Buddhism influence Thai people and how is that reflected in the arts? Or how do the Vietnamese people cope with the restrictions of freedom of expression still imposed on them, even though to a lesser degree than two decades ago? And what about Indonesia's close neighbor Malaysia?

The exhibition forms an interesting kaleidoscope of different cultural, traditional and artistic expressions. It reflects both the diversity and the cultural ties that connect these four Southeast Asian countries.

The choice to invite artists from Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia was, according to the organizers, a conscious one. It is supposed to reflect the current strongholds of contemporary Southeast Asian art.

But by excluding other countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines -- which can all boast a vital art scene -- the visitor, unfortunately, will only see a slice of the rich Southeast Asian palette of contemporary arts.

Nevertheless, it is pleasant to observe that Indonesian artists, in spite of looking westwards, also turn to their immediate neighbors for cooperation and inspiration.

International cooperation in the world of arts and culture, such as the current exhibition at Jogja Gallery, helps to strengthen regional ties with other countries by giving people the opportunity to obtain a better understanding of who their regional neighbors are.

Artistic cooperation among Southeast Asian countries also forms a neutral foundation on which to build on in the future and can become an element that leads to closer cooperation and networking between Southeast Asian countries. And that can eventually lead to a stronger Southeast Asian presence in the world of economics and politics.

Jogja Gallery

Jalan Pekapalan No 7, Alun-Alun Utara, Yogyakarta

Open everyday, T.V.I.M. Exhibition lasts until Nov. 2, 2008

Popular

Government to permanently relocate 10,000 people after Ruang eruptions

Kokubo's injury time penalty save secures title for Japan

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts