JAKARTA, 8 September 2023 – Spouses of the heads of state participating in the 43rd ASEAN Summit were enthusiastic about Indonesian ceramic works of art during the Spouse Program held at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), which translates to Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park on Wednesday (6 September).
The Spouse Program, led by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, is part of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
Wife of Singapore’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Ho Ching, seemed enthusiastic about ceramicist Antin Sambodo's explanation of her installation artwork "Bowls of Freedom".
Consisting of seven bowls, "Bowls of Freedom" is an art installation that tells the story of freedom of expression in Indonesia so that people and art workers can create works suited to their interests.
This installation also depicts her being free to express herself in her works. Each of the seven bowls portrays Antin's various interests, namely ceramics, sewing, crochet, writing, cooking, gardening, and painting.
Her participation in the Spouse Program began with an invitation from Hadiprana Gallery, which was asked to commission artists to join and display works of art at this event.
Initially, the cat-loving woman submitted two works to be curated, “Bowls of Freedom” and “Jewel of Indonesia”. The committee finally chose the first option to be exhibited.
“I told Mrs. Ho Ching that in Indonesia, we are lucky because we can express our passion. The bowls represent our hearts where our various passions lie," said Antin to the Communications and Media Team of the 43rd ASEAN Summit on Thursday (7 September).
According to Antin, Mrs. Ho Ching was intrigued by her explanation. The two of them spent a good time chatting. She also showed Ho Ching a ceramic cup that reads 'Everybody is born with talent'. "Yes, that's true," the First Lady of Singapore told herself.
The companions of other ASEAN leaders also expressed their admiration for the art installations. "They were delighted after I told them about freedom of expression," she added.
Apart from exhibitions, the owner of Jinjit Pottery also conducted demonstrations on ceramics making. She made vases filled with ceramic flowers. While demonstrating, she asked the First Ladies to attach ceramic flowers to the vases she made. They looked happy and enjoyed the activity.
"Before the event started, Mrs. Iriana asked what they should do with the ceramics. I suggested putting flowers in vases and she approved it," said Antin.
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For further information, please contact the following:
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Get more information at http://asean2023.id, https://infopublik.id/kategori/asean-2023, and https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/ragam-asean-2023
Photo caption [1]: Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo (left) walks with (from left) Mrs. Ritu Banga, Mrs. Jodie Haydon, Mrs. Louise Araneta Marcos, Mrs. Ho Ching, Mrs. Vandara Siphandone and Mrs. Kishida Yuko during the 2023 ASEAN Summit Spouse Program at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, Wednesday (6 September 2023). Media Center of the 2023 ASEAN Summit/Dhoni Setiawan/aww.
Photo caption [2]: Antin Sambodo at Spouse Program of the 43rd ASEAN Summit at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Wednesday (6 September 2023) (Personal Documentation)