Brunei-Japan Art Exhibition opens at Empire
By M K Anwar

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Ali cuts the the ribbon to officially launch the Brunei-Japan Friendship Art Exhibition at the Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday. Behind him is President of the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah. Photos by Rudolf Portillo

Japanese Ambassador to Brunei, Mr Hara Satoshi, explaining the Brunei-Japan exchange

Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Ali admiring one of over 100 artworks from two Japanese artists, a British artist and 30 local artists.

Foreign diplomats at yesterday's launch

The Brunei-Japan Friendship Art Exhibition was officially opened to the general public yesterday morning by the chief guest, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Raja Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Ali bin Haji Awang Mohd Daud. On display at the Empire Hotel and Country Club are more than 100 pieces of artwork from two prominent Japanese artists Mr Toshio Muroi and Ms Tini Miura, as well as from 30 local talents. The exhibition also includes work from a British artist, Heather Angelien James.

The Brunei-Japan Art Exhibition is one of the events in a series of activities held in conjunction with the Asean-Japan Exchange Year 2003.

Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Ali in his speech highlighted that the exhibition will promote cultural exchange and harmony between the two nations. "This event will bring us much closer", said the Deputy Minister.

The President of the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abd Wahab, meanwhile in his welcoming speech said this exhibition is a result of partnership at work, a partnership symbolised by the close cooperation between Japanese artists and those from Brunei.

After officially opening the art exhibition, the chief guest was taken on a tour of the paintings on display. Selections of paintings from young Bruneian students are also put on display. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the work by Mr. Toshio Muroi. Among his paintings that are on display are "Maiko Lady", "Owl", "Mt Fuji" and "5 Carps".

In his long career, Mr Toshio Muroi has organised seven personal exhibitions of his paintings.

Another prominent Japanese artist is Ms Tini Miura. She has won many international awards for her art works and she has exhibited her work more than 50 times in three continents. Also attending yesterday's opening ceremony was the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei, Mr Hara Satoshi, foreign diplomats and invited guests.

The art exhibition will be held until May 18.

The Brunei-Japan Art Exhibition is currently on display at the Ground Floor of the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd is the sponsor of the exhibition.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin