Constellations: Global Reflections at G20 Bali

Constellations: Global Reflections (CGR) opened on Kura Kura Bali in November 2022, coinciding with the G20 summit held on the Indonesian island. Fung Collaboratives curator Lance Fung developed the exhibition over roughly one year with twenty participating artists from five continents.

According to Fung Collaboratives' official project description, each artist produced a site-specific commission addressing ecology, colonialism, consumption, gender equity, and humanitarian cooperation. The works were fabricated locally in Bali using an eco-textile made primarily from recycled plastic. Solar panels powered the rotation of the cylindrical lantern sculptures and illuminated them after dark.

Participating artists listed on the project page include Tony Albert (Australia), Xu Bing (China), Ilya and Emilia Kabakov (Russia/Ukraine), Kiki Smith (United States), Yinka Shonibare CBE (United Kingdom), Kimsooja (South Korea), and fourteen others ranging in age from their thirties to their nineties.

Design and local production

The exhibition drew visual inspiration from Balinese textiles, lanterns, and Wayang puppet theater. Fung stated that the project aimed to amplify Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmony with God, with people, and with nature. By fabricating all works within Bali, the production team employed local craftspeople and kept the environmental footprint of shipping to a minimum.

The sculptures remained on view through 2023 and were designed for both daytime and nighttime audiences. The official project website is maintained at constellationsbali.org.

Sources

• Fung Collaboratives. "Constellations: Global Reflections exhibition description." Project page updated December 2022. fungcollaboratives.org
• Constellations: Global Reflections official site. constellationsbali.org
• G20 Bali Summit. Held November 15 through 16, 2022, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia (Indonesian presidency).