• Today: July 28, 2026

HRH Prince Mateen: Art endures in a digital age

“The Impressionist Landscape Art and Immersive Exhibition is a significant cultural moment for Brunei Darussalam.”

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored this in his Sabda at the official launching ceremony of the exhibition yesterday, highlighting that celebrating traditional paintings should go hand in hand with embracing newer forms of artistic expression.

“Yet celebrating traditional paintings does not detract from newer forms of creativity. We shouldn’t treat the physical and the digital as separate, or even conflicting. In fact, the two can complement one another, as shown by the immersive gallery.”

His Royal Highness noted that this message is especially relevant in the digital age, when almost any image can be brought up on a screen within seconds and artificial intelligence has made it possible to generate images using nothing more than a few words.

In this context, it is refreshing to view works of art in their original form, said His Royal Highness, adding that the texture and colours seen up close are a reminder that these works were created by real people, inspired by real places.

Drawing a parallel between past and present, His Royal Highness said the Impressionists challenged convention and experimented with new techniques, while today’s artists continue that tradition of experimentation. Although the tools may have changed, the desire to innovate remains.

Beyond the exhibition itself, His Royal Highness also highlighted its significance for Brunei. For the second time in just a few years, the country is hosting an exhibition of international importance, demonstrating that Brunei is a place where world-class art can be appreciated and celebrated.

“As we look ahead to Visit Brunei Year 2027, exhibitions such as this help showcase another side of our nation. They invite visitors to experience not only our natural beauty and warm hospitality, but also the richness of our cultural and creative landscape.”

Culture, said His Royal Highness, is one of the ways nations strengthen friendships, foster understanding and share their stories with one another. He added that He is especially proud to see the work of Bruneian storytellers, whose presence reflects the remarkable development of the nation’s own creative community.

Brunei is not only a country that exhibits great art but one that creates it, said His Royal Highness, adding that this is one of the lasting benefits of bringing such works to new audiences.

“One of our own Bruneian artists might find new inspiration. The next generation of talent could even begin their journey right here.” – Lyna Mohamad

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Minister of Foreign Affairs delivering a Sabda at the opening of the Impressionist Landscape Art & Immersive Exhibition at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) on Monday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah at the Impressionist Landscape Art & Immersive Exhibition at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) on Monday. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/LYNA MOHAMAD

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