"At today's 'Nuances of Independence' exhibition, I was really impressed by the beautiful paintings that are rich in meaning and historical message. I hope that the 'Nuances of Independence' exhibition will also mark the revival of Indonesian art and culture activists who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," he said here on Monday.
The exhibition also featured portraits of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Vice President Amin, ministers in the Onward Indonesia Cabinet, third President B.J. Habibie, fourth President Abdurrahman Wahid, fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, as well as some natural landscape and animal paintings.
"Art workers, including painters, have an important role in uniting the nation because artworks speak beyond differences. In addition, artworks will continue to live through the ages," Amin remarked.
For some people, artwork can be a profitable investment, but for others, it inspires the soul, he said.
"While for others, works of art benefit their soul and body. Therefore, I encourage Indonesian painters to continue to produce works that can be a medium to share knowledge, inspiration, creativity, and reflect the values of the Indonesian nation," he added.
Moreover, he expressed the hope that art admirers will absorb the messages of the spirit of nationalism through paintings.
"Hopefully, these artworks that are rich in nationalism values can help preserve the nation's history and convey its own meaning amid many contemporary artworks," Amin said.
At the event, the auction of the Vice President's portrait fetched Rp1.5 billion and the painting was bought by a businessperson. The proceeds from the auction will be partly used to support the construction of a mosque and an Islamic boarding school.
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Translator: Desca N, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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