“Interconnected Existence”: art connects continents and inspires global solidarity
On 30 July, the international mural "Interconnected Existence" was officially unveiled at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Created by artists from Austria, Ukraine and Indonesia, the project demonstrates how contemporary art can become a universal language for addressing global challenges such as climate change, interdependence and international solidarity.
The mural brings together the artistic visions of Manuel Skirl (Austria), Vitalii Dilkone (Ukraine) and Muna Diannur (Indonesia) while preserving each artist’s distinctive visual language. Traditional houses from different cultures are woven into a shared structure, symbolising a world in which every community depends on the others. Through references to melting ice, environmental fragility and interconnected ecosystems, the artwork reminds viewers that ecological challenges transcend national borders and require collective action.
Vienna-based artist Manuel Skirl contributes his internationally recognised abstract mural practice, exploring the fragility of our world through organic forms and flowing structures. Ukrainian artist Vitalii Dilkone, one of the leading figures of Ukraine’s contemporary street art scene, highlights how environmental and social crises affect all societies alike. Indonesian artist Muna Diannur enriches the mural with the calligraphic symbol Al-Mizan, representing balance and encouraging thoughtful responses to today’s global challenges.
The opening ceremony also featured performances by Ukrainian artists Yuliia Mykolaychuk and Yuliia Vitraniuk (Opera Aperta), whose traditional music complemented the visual artwork and added another dimension to this intercultural dialogue.
Funded by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the project was jointly organised by the Embassy of Austria in Jakarta, the Ukrainian Institute, the Embassy of Ukraine in Indonesia and numerous Indonesian cultural partners. It reflects Austria’s continued support for Ukraine through cultural cooperation, demonstrating how artistic initiatives can strengthen international dialogue and mutual understanding.
For the Ukraine Office Austria, initiatives like Interconnected Existence illustrate the power of cultural diplomacy. By connecting artists, institutions and audiences across continents, they promote Ukrainian culture internationally while creating meaningful spaces for dialogue, resilience and cooperation in addressing the shared challenges of our time.
Pictures provided by the organizers