In commemoration of the 73rd Independence Day, the Ministry of the State Secretariat will host an exhibit of the Presidential Art collection at the National Gallery from 3 to 31 August.
Titled “Indonesia Semangat Dunia” (Indonesia spirit of the world), the exhibition will showcase 45 artworks collected from the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Bogor, Yogyakarta, Cipanas, and Tampak Siring. The theme of this year’s exhibition is inspired by the 2018 Asian Games scheduled to be held this month.
The Secretary of State, Pratikno mentioned that this year’s exhibit will highlight more artworks from the Presidential archives including paintings, craftworks, and sculpture. It aims to show the extensive variety of art and in effect showcase the country’s art history
“We hope that the exhibition will help grow an appreciation towards art and inspire creativity,” Praktikno said at a press conference on 30 July.
The artworks are the masterpiece created by 34 legendary artists, including Raden Saleh, Dullah, Henk Ngantung, Naskah Jamin, Basoeki Abdullah, and Harijadi S among others. There are also paintings from foreign artists which were gifted to Indonesia’s presidents over the years. The collection includes works by Zsiemond Kisfaludi Strobel, Walter Spies, Fernando Amorsolo, and Yevgeny Viktorovich Vuchetich.
For the first time, the ‘Archer” sculpture (1919) by Hungarian artist Zsiemond Kisfaludi Strobel will be exhibited. The sculpture, which is usually on display at the main palace at Veteran Street, has been moved to the National Gallery temporarily. Restored painting “Memanah” (Archery) by Henk Ngantung which was created in 1994 will be exhibited for the second time after 2016. Raden Saleh’s painting ‘Perkelahian dengan Singa” (Fighting with Lion) from 1870 is also expected to be the central point at the exhibit.
“These three artworks are the highlights of the exhibition which represent whole collections that we consider representations of tenacity and physical ability,” Pratikno said.
Curated by Amir Sidharta and Watie Moerany, the exhibition will be classified into three different themes such as Berjuang Bersatu dalam Keberagaman, Bergotong Royong, and Menjadikan Warga Dunia Menyongsong Masa Depan. In total, there are 38 paintings, four sculptures, and three craft works collected since February from around 3,000 pieces,
Chairman of the Indonesian Creative Economy Agency (BEKRAF), Triawan Munaf said the exhibition is expected to attract international visitors who are in town for the 2018 Asian Games and Art Jakarta which invites foreign buyers from abroad. BEKRAF and the Ministry of Tourism is also promoting the even overseas, too.
In addition, the Ministry of Education and Culture is hosting a painting competition for school students involving participants from 34 provinces.
