Petronas Remains Committed Preserving Collective Artistic Gestures Within ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Petronas remains committed towards nurturing, promoting and preserving the collective artistic gestures and memories distinctive within ASEAN, despite challenges in the global oil and gas industry. Its chairman, Sidek Hassan said the launch of the 'Semangat 10: Visual Expressions of Southeast Asian Identity' here Wednesday, was also a constant testament of Petronas' mission to contribute to the well-being of society. "It showcases elements of values stemming from shared traditions and cultural geography of the Southeast Asian region. "The exhibition seeks to complement the multi-lateral relations among ASEAN countries through arts, especially as the nations share many commonalities and a strong bond nurtured through the ages," he said at the launching of the exhibition here Wednesday. Sidek said this exhibition, also the last to be hosted by Galeri Petronas this year, documented the cultural and social dynamics of a rapidly changing society, not only to reflect the vibrancy of Southeast Asia's contemporary art scene, but also to foster linkages among members of the region's art fraternity. ASEAN, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, has come a long way since its formation in 1967, and this exhibition will reinforce and continuously put a holistic emphasis on the development of its people in progressive, yet peaceful ways. This exhibition features artworks by 24 prominent artist from 10 ASEAN member countries. Also present at the launch was Petronas Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications Zahariah Abdul Rahman. The exhibition is open for public viewing at Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC from Nov 23 till Jan 14 next year. Admission is free. -- BERNAMA