A total of 138 visual anthology works by more than a dozen artists are being showcased at the Galeri Bulaksumur exhibition “Mampir Gelanggang”, held at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) from Sep. 5 to 20. The exhibition, themed “Memulai dari Titik Singgah” (Starting from a Stopover Point), is a collaboration between Sedekat Imaji Rupa and GIK UGM.
Through Galeri Bulaksumur, GIK UGM provides space and encouragement for artists from all backgrounds to express and exhibit their ideas. This commitment demonstrates that UGM, as a university, is not only dedicated to academic endeavors but also to nurturing humanistic values through art and culture.
“Behind Gelanggang’s history, UGM has cultivated its artistic side from the beginning. This helps sharpen the humanistic dimension that must continue to be preserved,” said Aji Wartono, Head of Program Experience at GIK UGM, on Friday (Sep. 5).
The journey is still ongoing, with “Mampir Gelanggang” serving as the first chapter of a four-part exhibition cycle: Mampir, Rasan-rasan Berkumpul, Pulang, and Datang. These stages reflect the theme inspired by the dynamic life cycle of students at Gelanggang. This concept was explained by Arianti Nugrahani, Managing Director of Sedekat Imaji Rupa.
According to Nugrahani, the four-part anthology begins with “Mampir” (Stopover), symbolizing students as temporary visitors at Gelanggang who come to learn and shape their identities. The next stage, Rasan-rasan Berkumpul (Gathering Conversations), depicts the activities of meeting, talking, and exchanging ideas that are integral to campus life. Pulang (Returning Home) represents students going back to their families and entering the workforce, carrying with them experiences, conversations, and memories from university life. The final stage, Datang (Coming Back), signifies returning to serve the nation in one’s own way, as a form of appreciation for the journey taken.
“In the past, Gelanggang was the center of student activities, while at the same time, the Purna Budaya Building (PKKH) also existed. That is where this concept was first developed,” Nugrahani explained.
The exhibition brings together diverse works by 18 artists: Tempa, Anton Afganial, Hendra “HeHe” Harsono, Mahaputra Vito, Vendy Methodos, Mutiara Riswari, Galih Satrio, Savitri Kumala Dewi, Aphrodita Wibowo, Nasirun, Dyan Anggraini, Dedi Irawan, Risao Pambudi, Faiz Zaki Abdillah, Rizal Eka Pramana, Ummi Damas, Alodia Yap, and Dhawa Rezkyna.
There are hundreds of works presented across various genres, ranging from social themes, meditation, discussion, and personal exploration to contemporary expressions with vibrant colors.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for two weeks. Admission is set at IDR 25,000 for the general public and IDR 20,000 for students.
In addition to the main exhibition, the collaboration between Sedekat Imaji Rupa and GIK UGM also features a series of supporting events. These include discussions with female artists, gatherings of visual arts literacy communities, a “Bring Your Own Vinyl” sharing session, casual conversations in artist sessions, and other engaging activities.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: Jesi