A multimedia exhibition is being held in Brussels, Belgium, to celebrate the 45^th founding anniversary of relations between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with its highlight being a community project named “Weaving the Ocean”.

At the event (Photo: VNA)

The textile sculpture “Weaving the Ocean” is created from plastic threads using ropes found on the shorelines and mangroves on the coast of Bali. It is an inspiration of Indonesian artist Ari Bayuaji.

The inspiration came to Ari during the pandemic, while walking on the beach, where he found that many roots of mangrove trees were tangled in plastic ropes, and he decided to use the plastic as material for weaving. The artist’s project engaged local people when the economic situation in Bali was difficult due to the absence of tourists, while at the same time it contributed towards raising awareness on the importance of preserving natural resources.

In Ari’s words, “The answer is to be found in nature. In nature we can find hope for a better future. Interweaving our culture and nature in a harmonious manner is one of most hopeful things human beings can do.” He believes this project and his idea of replacing vanishing materials with new “natural” materials easily found can be replicated in many countries.

In Brussels, the sculptural textile invites youth from both regions to express their views and expectations about the future of EU - ASEAN relations and what they believe the leaders’ priority of action should be. Their wishes, thoughts and concerns will be gathered online and published when the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit takes place on December 14, 2022.

The exhibition tells the story of the partnership between the EU and ASEAN through historical photos of high-level meetings, showcasing the depth and breadth of this cooperation, elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2020 to solve global challenges together: be it the pandemic, economic relations, security, education, the green transition, or others.

It also displays testimonial videos featuring ambassadors, politicians, young leaders and journalists from the EU and ASEAN who have contributed to this region-to-region partnership in the past 45 years.

The exhibition will last until December 14.

Source: VNA