USM PENANG, 10 April 2026 – The visual arts exhibition ‘Art Without Borders,’ officiated yesterday at the Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), represents another continued effort to strengthen the visual arts landscape through the collaboration of diverse parties across nations and institutions.

Open to the public until 9 May 2026, the exhibition features 54 collaborative artworks, showcasing a wide range of two‑dimensional approaches that explore varied themes, messages, and techniques.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Dean of the School of the Arts, Associate Professor Dr. Muhizam Mustafa.

In his speech, Muhizam highlighted the importance of academic institutions in supporting the growth of the creative industry, particularly in providing spaces for interaction between artists, researchers, and communities.

“Such initiatives not only strengthen the arts ecosystem but also serve as a platform to nurture new talents capable of competing internationally,” he added.

Earlier, the President of the International Visual Artists Association of Thailand, Thawee Tungmongkolwanit, in his welcoming remarks, stressed the significance of the exhibition as a platform that brings together art practitioners from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

“Cross‑border collaboration plays a vital role in expanding the discourse of visual arts and encouraging continuous exchange of ideas,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony was the Director of MGTF, Dr. Tetriana Ahmed Fauzi, whose leadership continues to reinforce MGTF’s position as a premier exhibition platform connecting local and international artists.

Guests were also invited on a guided tour of the exhibition, allowing them to experience firsthand the presentation of artworks and the curatorial approaches showcased.

‘Art Without Borders’ showcases works across various media and techniques, reflecting the diversity of expression in contemporary visual arts.

All artworks are presented in a uniform size — an approach that emphasises the strength of collective movement and creates visual harmony within the exhibition space.

This arrangement subtly shifts the focus from individual prominence to collective value in artistic creation.

The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 150 participants, including academics, art practitioners, and invited guests.

Curated by Nur Hafizah Ab. Aziz of MGTF, the exhibition is seen as part of MGTF’s ongoing efforts to expand regional collaboration networks, particularly within the Southeast Asian context.

According to her, beyond serving as an exhibition space, this initiative also contributes to building professional relationships and knowledge exchange between nations through the medium of visual arts.

“‘Art Without Borders’ reflects an approach that emphasises diversity, collaboration, and continuity in the development of visual arts,” she added.

The exhibition not only reinforces the role of institutions as catalysts for artistic activity but also opens opportunities for broader networking to empower the arts ecosystem at the regional level.

Original Text: PrivinKumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre, MPRC/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Neoh Yong Jun, Intern@MPRC