At a time when
the globalization of culture is expanding across our entire planet, Museum
Pasifika, situated in Nusa Dua (Bali, Indonesia) exhibits a selection of works
of art created in the nineteenth and twentieth century and covering an area
stretching from Southeast Asia and Indonesia, the largest insular country in
the world, to the Pacific. This Country, Indonesia, whose history and culture
has been, and continues to be, open to various influences, was able to
assimilate them to forge its own identity, as is evident from the vitality and
creativity of its contemporary artistic scene. This is why the archipelago
occupies the central spot in a museum that endeavors to show the diversity of
artistic exchanges between Western and Oriental artists.
The first major attempt at globalization was the colonization of the world by the Western powers, a phenomenon that reached its peak in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. History has shown that it was an unequal exchange, coming at the expense of the colonized peoples. From an artistic point of view, colonization has often led to the destruction or alienation of local cultures. Fortunately, the mid-twentieth century saw the liberation of colonized nations, which, on achieving their independence, began to undergo an important process of cultural renewal. Paradoxically, the foundations of local art schools — as in Vietnam and to a lesser extent in Indonesia — that have shaped those new artistic elites were laid by the colonial regimes. By these means they were attempting to clear their conscience. Western artists were fascinated by the countries they were sent to, or travelled to of their own free will, often motivated by a break with their country of origin and succeeded talented indigenous artists. Inspired by their traditions and sensitivities they have often managed a brilliant synthesis of classical Western techniques with an aesthetic and themes related to local realities. Both expatriate and indigenous artists are represented in Museum Pasifika.
The twenty-first century shows the beginnings of a different more balanced globalization process. It involves not only economic exchanges but leans also to the sharing of ideas and cultural values. The world has not yet become a global village but emerging trends have opened the door to a global stage for contemporary art, where artists from different continents can appeal to an international public while retaining a local spirit. Cultural globalization has artistic roots dating to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and it is to those roots that Museum Pasifika would like to pay respect in its exhibition.
Because of its colonial history, the Western world has often
been criticized for claiming the ownership of, and exhibiting in its museums,
works of art from all parts of the world without reciprocating in kind. Museum
Pasifika is proof that a reverse trend is emerging and that it is now possible
to show in Bali works that were created and manufactured in Southeast Asia and
the Pacific by local and foreign artists. Thanks to this museum, a selection of
works of art from the region can be admired not only by locals but also by
visitors from around the world.
For Museum Pasifika, the artistic centers of the world are not only found in New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Sydney or Beijing but also in Bali. Is there a better place than Bali, which fascinates artists from around the world, to welcome this type of museum. And what place is more deserving of providing a cultural space open to all than Nusa Dua, where large international conferences contribute to the solving of important issues related to the future of humanity.
For Museum Pasifika, the artistic centers of the world are not only found in New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Sydney or Beijing but also in Bali. Is there a better place than Bali, which fascinates artists from around the world, to welcome this type of museum. And what place is more deserving of providing a cultural space open to all than Nusa Dua, where large international conferences contribute to the solving of important issues related to the future of humanity.
May Museum Pasifika, through the universal message conveyed by its works of art, become a bridge between peoples and their cultures. As you tour the museum, take note that the artists represented in the various rooms originate from many different countries, as do the contributors to this book; clear proof that cultural globalization is underway. If this seemingly irreversible phenomenon is destined to modify the cultural future of our descendants, it is important for every art lover to remember how the globalization of culture historically began. That is why a visit to Museum Pasifika, or a reading of this book, should be more than mere moments of leisure. It should also be a lesson in the history of art — full of discoveries and shared emotions.
