The National Gallery is currently hosting the annual Thailand-Indonesia collaborative painting exhibition, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Running until June 28, the exhibition underscores a shared commitment to cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
Launched last week under the title “Indonesia-Thailand Painting Exhibition: Expressions of Hearts and Minds,” the event is jointly organized by the Indonesian Embassy, Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, the Fine Arts Department, and the National Gallery. It forms a key component of the Indonesian Embassy’s broader Trade, Tourism, Investment, and Cultural Forum, aimed at strengthening civic and cultural ties between the countries.
The exhibition showcases a total of 54 paintings—36 by 10 Indonesian artists and 18 by 10 Thai artists—highlighting diverse interpretations of identity, society, and nature through various artistic lenses.
Indonesian Ambassador Rachmat Budiman, whose own artworks are included in the exhibition, reflected on the initiative’s evolution since its inception in 2022 under the theme “The Bridge of Colour.” That inaugural showcase introduced the Thai public to the work of 11 Indonesian artists, fostering early cross-cultural understanding.
“‘Expressions of Hearts and Minds’ represents both the culmination of that artistic journey and the beginning of a new chapter,” Budiman remarked. “The works exhibited demonstrate not only technical excellence but also profound reflections on identity, friendship, and shared aspirations. They embody harmony, diversity, and a collective vision for the future.”
Indonesian Minister of Culture Faldi Zon described the exhibition as a significant cultural milestone, emphasizing the role of art in facilitating dialogue, mutual understanding, and enduring friendship. He noted that the current exhibition reflects a deeper level of maturity and intercultural connection following three prior collaborative showcases.
“This event marks not a conclusion, but a renewal,” Zon stated. “It reinforces culture as a dynamic pillar of diplomacy, built on trust, creativity, and solidarity.”
The exhibition remains open to the public at the National Gallery until June 28.
