0fficial opening remarks by
H.E. Mr S. Wiryono, Ambassador of Indonesia to Australia
at 0fficial opening remarks by
H.E. Mr S. Wiryono, Ambassador of Indonesia to Australia
At "The Spiritual and the Social" exhibition
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Townsville, 6 July 1996

Good evening honoured guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted and honoured to have been invited by Mr Robert Barton of the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery to open the exhibition 'The Spiritual and the Social' this evening, which features the artworks of nine contemporary artists from three of Australia's close neighbours - Thailand, The Philippines and my own country, Indonesia.

An occasion such as this gives me great happiness as it enables me to personally and in a very direct way participate in raising the awareness of the Australian people about the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia and the need to promote mutual cultural appreciation. I believe it is exceedingly important that such events. which advance and substantiate our cross-cultural relations, are supported.

This evening we are witnessing the common artistic language used by artists, which not only conveys and communicates their personal opinions and feelings, but also a nation's cultural values, beliefs and ideals through an accessible, pleasurable and educational medium.

The varied artworks displayed here this evening are indeed impressive and thought-provoking. The personal experiences and emotions, political statements, historical and religious impacts represented and reflected in these works are glimpses into each artist's mind and nation and the experiences they and their respective country have been through. The diverse and interesting interpretive uses of one of the world's most commonly available materials, paper, is also I believe exciting.

By the end of this exhibition's tour throughout regional Queensland, it will have touched hundreds of people, and I think it is absolutely wonderful that the Art Gallery of Queensland has decided to take this art to the people. It is through such initiatives that we can share in each other's rich and varied cultures and promote understanding and appreciation.

I wish to express my personal compliments to the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for staging this exhibition. It shows a valuable commitment to the Southeast Asian region and in particular to furthering the Australian people's knowledge and appreciation of these countries, their artists and their work.

To the artists I send a special commendation, for their dedication to the arts and their promotion of a greater understanding of Southeast Asian culture.

Once again I wish to thank the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for the opportunity to be here this evening, and I congratulate all involved on your impressive exhibition.

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Townsville, 6 July 1996

Good evening honoured guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted and honoured to have been invited by Mr Robert Barton of the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery to open the exhibition 'The Spiritual and the Social' this evening, which features the artworks of nine contemporary artists from three of Australia's close neighbours - Thailand, The Philippines and my own country, Indonesia.

An occasion such as this gives me great happiness as it enables me to personally and in a very direct way participate in raising the awareness of the Australian people about the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia and the need to promote mutual cultural appreciation. I believe it is exceedingly important that such events. which advance and substantiate our cross-cultural relations, are supported.

This evening we are witnessing the common artistic language used by artists, which not only conveys and communicates their personal opinions and feelings, but also a nation's cultural values, beliefs and ideals through an accessible, pleasurable and educational medium.

The varied artworks displayed here this evening are indeed impressive and thought-provoking. The personal experiences and emotions, political statements, historical and religious impacts represented and reflected in these works are glimpses into each artist's mind and nation and the experiences they and their respective country have been through. The diverse and interesting interpretive uses of one of the world's most commonly available materials, paper, is also I believe exciting.

By the end of this exhibition's tour throughout regional Queensland, it will have touched hundreds of people, and I think it is absolutely wonderful that the Art Gallery of Queensland has decided to take this art to the people. It is through such initiatives that we can share in each other's rich and varied cultures and promote understanding and appreciation.

I wish to express my personal compliments to the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for staging this exhibition. It shows a valuable commitment to the Southeast Asian region and in particular to furthering the Australian people's knowledge and appreciation of these countries, their artists and their work.

To the artists I send a special commendation, for their dedication to the arts and their promotion of a greater understanding of Southeast Asian culture.

Once again I wish to thank the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for the opportunity to be here this evening, and I congratulate all involved on your impressive exhibition.