As globalization continues its seemingly inalterable path, there is increasing talk of the emergence of a world art and an international audience. But under the influence of such a strong current of homogenization the world would appear to be losing the distinct cultural identities of its individual localities. If culture is by definition something that is cultivated, it is logical to insist that the cultural and artistic practices of a specific place are distinctive expressions of its people. As Asians, what do we have to contribute to the world's cultural heritage and how do we envisage our position and our role as citizens in this ever expanding global village?


The 18th AIAE, a joint presentation of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Federation of Asian Artists Hong Kong Committee, aims to map out the different Asian regions within the global context and hopes to shed some light on what could be called the individualistic expression of "glocalization" in art. Featuring over 170 works by artists from various Asian countries and cities, including Japan, Korea, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong, the exhibition will give a comprehensive overview of the development of art in the Asia Pacific region and at the same time explore Asian ways of life and culture as expressed through the visual arts.