American Artworks on Display At Envoy's House
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - The residence of the US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam yesterday provided visitors the opportunity to appreciate the concepts of individualism, diversity and tradition with an exhibition of contemporary American artworks.

Ambassador Emil Skodon and his wife, Thea, welcomed foreign dignitaries, leading industry players, acquaintances and friends into their home in Mulaut, Sengkurong yesterday to view the exhibition.

The event is part of the ART in Embassies Programme (ART), in which original works of art by US citizens are showcased in the public rooms of American diplomats' residences around the globe.

Ambassador Skodon told the assembled guests that the works of art on display in his residence consisted of works on loan from galleries, museums and individual artists as well as pieces from his and his wife's personal collections.

He pointed out that each artwork demonstrated the individuality of the artist as well as his or her individual freedom of expression.

In addition, given the divergent backgrounds of the artists, it reflects on the diverse and multicultural nature of the American people.

A third element personified in the art is tradition. The ambassador noted that many of the pieces derived inspiration from other cultures, such as Turkish, Japanese and Native American. Often, these influences represent the traditional roots of the artist. These artworks reflect the nature of America as a "great cultural melting pot", Skodon added.

"(The exhibition) is a great idea. It is a good chance to see art produced by people of diverse backgrounds," Tiew Siew Chuen said. The CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, who professed an interest in art and favoured a bronze sculpture of a horse in recoil by Gary Weisman, and a Raku ceramic pottery, vessel produced by Candone Wharton, hoped that similar exhibits would be held in the future,.

Another visitor Dilek Walley also expressed her delight at the exhibition. "It is a wonderful, cultural opportunity for people to see American art that have been infused with elements of other cultures," she said.

Walley, who has a Turkish background and is the spouse of an officer stationed at the British High Commission, said that she was interested in the works of Muhammadi Zuhal Karamanli which are strongly influenced by Turkish culture. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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