A total of 153 painters from the Ngapak Artists Community (SeNgapak) are showcasing their works in an exhibition titled “Bang Kulon Nyabrang Wetan” from Oct. 10 to 19 at the Universitas Gadjah Mada Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM). The exhibition carries a theme that reflects the exchange of ideas, cultural dialogue, and creative collaboration, transcending space and time.
The exhibition committee chair, Rakhmat Supriyono, shared that SeNgapak was established after observing how other regions had formed their own art associations, which inspired the idea of creating a similar community.
“It is known that the founder of ASRI (the Indonesian Academy of Fine Arts), Mr. R. J. Katamsi, was from Banjarnegara. Thanks to people from Banjarnegara and Banyumas, thousands of artists have emerged from ASRI,” he said.
According to Supriyono, the exhibition features 153 painters, including prominent names such as Nasirun, Entang Wiharso, and Ugo Untoro, as well as Yogyakarta-based artists like Putu Sutawijaya and Erica Hestu Wahyuni.
Head of Program Experience at GIK UGM, Aji Wartono, expressed that the presence of SeNgapak artists and their exhibition was warmly welcomed at GIK UGM.
“Coincidentally, our mission aligns perfectly with this event. GIK UGM is designed as an inclusive and collaborative space. The SeNgapak exhibition fits exactly with this vision, to be an inclusive and collaborative platform,” he said.
Professor Al Makin from UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta explained that the exhibition features a wide variety of artistic styles, including realism, abstraction, surrealism, and others.
He also noted the strong sense of solidarity and togetherness among the artists, creating what he described as a “guyub” or close-knit atmosphere.
“The exhibition is rich in diversity and spirit. The sense of unity among the artists is truly inspiring,” said Professor Al Makin.
One of the visitors, Syafiq, admitted that this was his first experience attending an art exhibition.
“As a beginner who knows little about fine arts, I found it really amazing. Each painting carries its own meaning. At first, I didn’t understand the messages, but they turned out to be very deep. The most captivating piece for me was ‘Attending a Banquet in Pekanbaru’ by Erica Hestu Wahyuni,” he shared.
The presence of Ngapak artists symbolizes that artists from peripheral regions also possess a strong artistic soul and creative strength, fostering a sense of equality within Indonesia’s art development.
SeNgapak serves as a bridge connecting traditional roots with contemporary imagination.
Author: Alena Damaris
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Jesi