ANBD to promote the vibrant culture of the region through ‘Illuminating Asia’

By Divya Thotawatte

Asia Network Beyond Design (ANBD) Special Exhibition 2019 kicked off in Colombo with the theme ‘Illuminating Asia’ while promoting the creativity and vibrant culture of the region on 11 February at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). 

Athula Ransirilal

Channa Wijewardene

Prof. Chie Nakajima

Prof. Cho Youl

The exhibition which features over 170 creations and designs selected from leading universities in Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Tianjin, Yungcheng, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Colombo, will be open to the public until 15 February. The displayed pieces including art, literature and technology will highlight Asia’s culture and creativity. 

Focusing on cultural value expansion through convergence of each area’s characteristics, ANBD is to construct a network of Asian design professionals and academics to promote valuable cultural exchanges. 

ANBD Colombo Chapter Sri Lanka Representative Athula Mahawalage told Daily FT: “This exhibition is held with the prime objective of displaying the distinctive creations of different cultures within Asia, and bridging the gap within these cultures through art, literature and technology in order to promote many valuable exchanges within the region and globally as well. This initiative has become successful because even though an outsider might not be able to understand artwork of a particular culture, this partnership between the countries will help us understand better about each culture resulting in improved integration.”

He said that this exhibition was actually beyond design because it showcases not only artwork, and designs, but also selected photography, sculptures and even technology from each country. It is to inspire people to be more independent by developing their creativity and power of mind, while applying that creativity to build technology, that ANBD empowers artistic talent across the region,” he said. 

International delegates who graced the opening ceremony included ANBD Chairman Prof. Cho Youl, ANBD HQ Director Prof. Jeehyun Kim, ANBD Honorary Chairman Prof. Akira Harada, Malaysia Representative Prof. Yin-Yoong Siow, Taiwan Representatives Prof. Guang-Dah Chen and Prof. Sui-Lan Chung in addition to 15 other foreign university delegates. 

Many foreign academics and professionals visiting the event will conduct a workshop for local students and industry professionals. The event will serve as a platform for university student communities who are actively engaged and studying design and multimedia-based curricula in Sri Lanka to gain fine insights. 

ANBD plays a leading role for Asia design development by sharing of artworks, researches, education, technology and thought for cooperation and exchange of Asian designers through exhibitions. Currently, ANBD is organising periodic exhibitions in permanent member areas such as Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Tianjin, Tainan, Kuala Lumpur and Shanxi and have started working with Sri Lanka, Thailand and Germany. Excluding the regular exhibitions held in four areas each year, the ANBD Special Exhibition is to take a lasting role to inform Asian identity to the world.  

Pix by Upul Abeysekara