SHAH ALAM – The international art exhibition, ‘Nusantara & Nippon: Cross-Culture Expression,’ served as an important platform to connect cultural heritage with modern innovation.
The event was a collaborative effort between the Nusantara Creative Arts Institute (Insan), the Faculty of Art and Design (FSSR) at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Nagoya University of the Arts (NUA), Japan.
Karangkraf Group Advisor, Datuk Muhammad Nasir Hamzah said the exhibition was not merely about showcasing artworks but functioned as a bridge that united tradition with modernisation.
“Art plays the role of a universal language and drives the creative economy. Art is a borderless language that can connect people, promote peace and instill noble values in society,” he said at the launching ceremony at Galeri Shah Alam, Yayasan Seni Selangor on Tuesday.
Nasir stressed that art had the power to unite society regardless of background, religion or ethnicity and that it could be a tool for peace.
“Today the world is on the brink of war, but art can serve as a mediator for peace. Only through art can we connect human hearts and cultivate values of compassion,” he added.
He urged for art to be further promoted across all levels of society, including by ensuring that artwork prices remained affordable and accessible.
He emphasised that the exhibition proved art never died, but instead continuously adapted and drove progress.
Nasir expressed hope that the collaboration would continue to flourish, enriching research, empowering industry, inspiring communities and strengthening ties between Malaysia and Japan.
Meanwhile, Insan Director Professor Dr Muhammad Kipli Abdul Rahman said the exhibition aimed to foster cross-cultural dialogue, strengthen academic cooperation and encourage understanding between Malaysian and Japanese communities through art.
He said art was a universal language that could close the gap of differences while showcasing the unique identities and cultural values of both countries.
At the same time, NUA lecturer Professor Masahiro Suda said the exhibition enabled participants to discover both differences and similarities, which in turn inspired new ideas.
He described that art had the power to connect people beyond language and borders.
“Looking at the works here today reminds me that creativity speaks a universal language. It allows us to share experiences and dreams openly.
"I hope this collaboration will continue to grow by creating more opportunities for us to learn from each other,” he said.
The exhibition runs for four days from Sept 8 to 12 and is open to the public, students, artists and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate friendship, creativity and the beauty of art that transcends boundaries.