Tributes To Artist Hardi, "Jake Resistance: President 2001" Present At The National Gallery Of Indonesia

Tributes To Artist Hardi, "Jak Resistance: The President Of 2001" Present At The National Gallery Of Indonesia (Dinno/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Gallery (Galnas) held an in-depth tribute to the maestro of Indonesian art, Hardi through an exhibition entitled "The Stage of Resistance: the President of 2001".

This exhibition remembers the journey of the late. Hardi (1951'2023), a visionary who made art a tool of social criticism, dialogue space, and reflection of Indonesia's socio-political reality.

As one of the most important figures in the world of Indonesian art, Hardi is known for his courage to produce meaningful works that are critical of his time situation. One of his most iconic works, "The President 2001" (1979), symbolizes resistance and struggle.

In this exhibition, visitors will enjoy about 78 works by Hardi, including paintings, sketches, personal archives, keris, to artificial intelligence technology-based interactive installations (Artificial Intelligence).

All of this aims to provide a comprehensive experience in the evolution of Hardi's art that connects tradition with innovation, as well as locality with universality.

Dio Pamola C., curator at this exhibition said, Hardi's works are silent witnesses to history and the spirit of resistance.

"This exhibition is a space for dialogue between the arts, history, and values of the courage inherited. Visitors will be greeted like a president, with a red carpet and special icon background that created a magnificent atmosphere from the start," said Dio in his remarks in Jakarta, Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Visitors who come to this exhibition will be greeted with the majestic red carpet in the room. There are works that combine cultural elements, such as the combination of the Pajajaran and Majapahit trah in the form of a counter (skop and keris).

One of the other standout works is a painting from 1971, which Hardi created during his early studies in Yogyakarta. This painting depicts the views of Brongkos and Malioboro, giving a deep nostalgic impression.

There is also Hardi's work that was not finished before he died. This work presents its own emotions for visitors, as if it was the last record of a great artist's long journey.

In addition, this exhibition presents an interactive installation where Hardi's face in one of the works can be replaced with the faces of visitors taking pictures there, creating unique memories to take home.

As part of the experience, visitors are also invited to write a response to the works displayed on small paper. The committee will choose one of the best responses, and the winner will get a painting of Hardi as a special tribute.

On the same occasion, Fadli Zon, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, expressed his deep appreciation for this exhibition.

Seniman is a national asset that is able to bring pride to the nation through their works. We express our gratitude for the dedication of artists, culturalists and painters who have made an extraordinary contribution," he said.

Fadli Zon also emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the art and culture world as the nation's identity.

Through the Ministry of Culture and Galnas, we will continue to revitalize the National Gallery of Indonesia. Cultural heritage buildings will be maintained, while other buildings will be revitalized so that Galnas is more representative and able to present maestro's works and extraordinary cultural observers in the future," said Fadli Zon.

Exhibition "State of Resistance: The President 2001" takes place at Building A of the Indonesian National Gallery and is open to the public from 10 to 26 January 2025, and is open every day at 09.00 a.m. -19.00 p.m. local time.

In addition to displaying legendary works, this exhibition also combines modern technology, making it relevant to the times.