Page 51 - Inzist Special Edition

PAINT MY

LOVE

Painting is an art and so is diplomacy. My time here in
Wellington as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia
since 2017 has enlightened me with countless wisdoms, not
least of all, is the profound impact of art in shaping the tone
and nature of intercultural relations.

On one hand, it has the uncanny ability to be a medium to break
barriers, create conversations, and build understanding
among different people from different backgrounds. On the
other hand, it provides a unique space for us to understand
that arguably, as fellow human beings, we are not that
different after all. Art has that unique power to unite us as we
aspire to come to the same wavelength.

“I Left My Heart in Aotearoa” painting exhibition is a humble
token of appreciation and gratefulness for the opportunity to
experience life in Aotearoa. The exhibition encapsulates the
world-renowned beauty of New Zealand, its charming little
capital city, and the manifestation of harmonies between
Indonesia and the Pacific, as well as inspirational and
influential figures that I can proudly call friends in the country
I’ve called home for the last 5 years.

As you browse through every single one of the acrylic-on-
canvas paintings, it is my fervent hope that they will transport
you to the same feelings of comfort and serenity they brought
me when creating them. They are fond reminder of the
distinctive blend of natural beauty and responsible modernity
apparent across the picturesque North and South Islands.

As someone who has spent most his life and professional
career in arts and culture, as well as a life-long admirer of the
Pacific cultures, the resounding commonalities of patterns
and motives found in Indonesia and the Pacific is a treasure to
behold. It further amplifies my believe that they share more in
common rather than the opposite.

Lastly, there is a saying, people tend to associate diplomacy
with “the act of painting the sky”. However, in my case, when it
comes to painting, sky is the limit and I can’t think of a better
place to paint the sky but in the majestic land of the Long
White Cloud.