Unity in Diversity

Unity in Diversity was designed by artist Winnie Sidharta Ambron and is located in the Point Breeze neighborhood of South Philadelphia. The mural tells the story of the Indonesian immigrant experience, showcasing traditional design and art along with depictions of life in Philadelphia, such as a Pride March, the Liberty Bell, and a parent teaching their child how to grow plants native to Indonesia. It also incorporates cultural references from Cambodia and Vietnam, two groups who also have a strong presence in the surrounding neighborhood. In the center of the piece is a mountain often depicted in shadow puppetry, with the tree of life, and a representation of how the ideal home is depicted in Indonesian art.

Ambron is a painter based in New York City. During the spring of 2021, the artist held two community meetings, supported by members of Kampoeng Indonesia, to gather input about what people would like to see in the mural. Ambron then created a design and presented it at an event at Fleisher Art Memorial that celebrated Indonesian culture to receive feedback. The Mayor’s Commission for Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Office of Immigrant Affairs were involved throughout the project process, including planning the mural dedication on November 14, 2021. The event included a variety of food vendors from the Southeast Asian immigrant community along with traditional Indonesian and Cambodian dance performances.