KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Kita Orang Blue & White 400 International Art Exhibition 2025 officially opened on Saturday at Artavern Art Space, La Promenade Mall here.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said the exhibition which will run until Jan 25 is a valuable platform for local artists to learn, exchange ideas and engage with artists from Malaysia and abroad.
“Because this is special, this kind of sharing allows local artists to interact and connect.
“From what I understand, more than 200 artists from Sarawak are involved in this exhibition,” he said.
Organised by Lai Lai Art Gallery, the exhibition features 400 artworks inspired by blue-and-white porcelain from the historic Wanli shipwreck.
Artists have interpreted the colours, forms and materials into contemporary expressions while commemorating the 400th anniversary of the 17th-century vessel that sank in 1625 off the east coast of present-day Malaysia while transporting porcelain from Jingdezhen, China.
Ting said the artefacts symbolise centuries of maritime trade, cultural exchange and shared regional history.
Describing the exhibition as of international standard, Ting highlighted that the artworks come from artists of diverse backgrounds and countries.
“It is not only about history and aesthetics, but also about connection, bringing people together across cultures, generations and borders through a common artistic language,” he said.
Ting added that art plays an important role in promoting peace and unity.
“When you look at blue and white, it symbolises peace and reminds us of what unites us rather than what separates us,” he said.
He also commended the venue for nurturing the creative industry by providing opportunities for artists to meet, collaborate and build long-term friendships.
“Exhibitions of this calibre strengthen Sarawak’s tourism sector and its creative ecosystem, where art, heritage and community come together to create a lasting impact,” he said.
Ting expressed hope that Kita Orang Blue & White 400 would continue its journey across Malaysia and beyond, carrying a message of togetherness and shared cultural pride.
Also present were the Division Head of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern; Founder of Lai Lai Art Gallery Alice Chang; founders of Artavern Art Space David Chew, Angelina Bon and Ng Paik San; President of Delphic USA, Sean Mcleod; Director of Delphic New York, Kierstyn Zaykoski and President of Delphic Malaysia, Vicky Fong.
