Description

Can artistic and cultural practice be sustained with just a fraction of its history intact? Given how little is known of Brunei pre-13th century and the lack of agency of Bruneian historians and anthropologists have led ‘outsiders’ to write their accounts. These foreign records now serve as accepted knowledge that informs locals and the rest of the world of Brunei. What are the results and the repercussions to the resilience of Brunei’s art and culture when they are presented and accepted from an etic perspective?

The topic of this presentation will examine how the gaps presented in Brunei's history, and its neglect have led to a partial loss of identity. This presentation examines genealogical records, scholarly articles, first-hand interviews, and Brunei artists' accounts to construct a narrative of a national agency to further its cultural identity and artistic practices.

Bio

Osveanne Osman has been working as Curator at Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio since 2016 and Agency Manager at CTRL+ as of 2021. She has actively contributed to Brunei’s Creative Industries with a particular focus on the fine arts.

In the capacity of a curator, her endeavors and accomplishments are noted through the production of exhibitions and programs focused on Bruneian art and culture with the aim of introduction to a worldwide audience. Stakeholder and project management are key functions she holds asAgency Manager to explore opportunities to integrate applied arts and culture into other industry sectors. Both roles aid in furthering her mission of creating platforms and dialogue of and for the attention of Brunei’s Creative Industries.

Organization

• Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio

Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio is a Brunei-based art gallery established in 2011. It was first established as a private studio to hold the gallery’s private collection and a workspace for artists.

The gallery’s official operations began in April 2016, hosting its first-ever exhibition hosting local artwork open to the public. The gallery exists to foster and contribute to the flourishing ecosystem of the Brunei Creative Industries. The gallery places on the enrichment, conservation, and recording of the local art culture we have by providing a physical and online platform for both established and young emerging artists to showcase and develop their talents.

Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio aims to contribute, facilitate and promote sustainable practices in our local art community.

Project

• Emerge Project: Empowering locals one step at a time

Emerge is an initiative program by Creative Space Gallery & Studio, it began in April 2016 and is about enriching and recording the local art culture we have by enhancing the Creative Industries landscape.

The project provides physical and online platforms for FREE to Brunei’s young and emerging artists to showcase their art and further develop their talents. The project aims to foster creativity to transform their art into a sustainable career and, more importantly, to aspire to make their artwork relevant and competitive internationally.