“Exotic Indonesia in Colours” – an exhibition featuring over 100 artworks by artists from the Indonesian Women Painters Association (IWPA) was held at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Kuala Lumpur from March 13 to 17, 2009. The exhibition was jointly organised by Soka Gakkai Malaysia and the Embassy of Indonesia.

Thirty-eight artists whose artworks were exhibited came all the way from Indonesia to attend the opening of the exhibition on March 13 by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Malaysia, HE Tan Sri Prof Drs Da’I Bachtiar. In his speech, Drs Bachtiar remarked that “art has the power to bring people closer together…to develop the friendship between the peoples of both nations.”

The artists’ vastly varying backgrounds have influenced their choices of mediums, techniques, styles and subject matters. Mainly painted in oil, the subjects included flowers, animals, landscapes, farmers and Bali dancers, subjects that were close to their hearts. Part of the proceeds from the sales of artworks would be used for charitable purposes. On March 16, a painting demonstration was also held by some of the artists who included the Chairperson of IWPA, Tio Jenie.

IWPA was formed 23 years ago with a humble objective to unite women who appreciate and love art and to encourage its members to improve their painting skills. It currently has more than 200 members. Since then the association has grown to include even Rukmini Yusuf Affandi, daughter of the legendary Indonesian artist Affandi besides holding exhibitions locally and overseas.