This April, NEO Gallery proudly presents “Living Eden”, an art exhibition featuring the works of 15 artists under the curation of Anna Sungkar, including those from the sixth Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The exhibition also features artworks from ten Indonesian maestros such as Affandi, Hendra Gunawan, and S. Sudjojono.
The theme of “Living Eden” encompasses the idea that nature isn’t only seen for its visual beauty, but also its connection with the human experience. By portraying nature through various artistic approaches, it symbolizes how nature is perceived differently by humans, focusing on its personal elements rather than merely aesthetics.
Reflecting on the Role of Nature in Indonesian Art
As explained by Anna Sungkar, the exhibition showcases how nature in Indonesian art has evolved throughout the changing eras, especially as the works featured are from different generations of artists.
She pointed out how the term Mooi Indie was used to describe paintings depicting the beauty of the Dutch East Indies in the early 20th century. However, as time progressed, many came to criticize the term, conveying how such works are beautiful, yet dishonest, as it only focuses on the beauty of nature on a surface level rather than reflecting the real lives of Indonesian people.
Through “Living Eden”, one can see how nature in Indonesian art is no longer an object, but instead a subject of dialogue. It has become a media where not only beauty is reflected, but also the social, spiritual, and ecological state of Indonesia.
Celebrating the Works of Generations of Indonesian Artists
NEO Gallery’s Director, Stefanus Randy Oenardi Raharjo, with Living Eden’s Officiant, Mr. Daniel Ginting. The opening ceremony for “Living Eden” was held on the 4th of April, 2026, at NEO Gallery, which was hosted by Mr. Sendy Widjaja and Dr. Melani Setiawan, and officiated by Mr. Daniel Ginting.
Many artists whose works were featured in the exhibition as well as fellow Indonesian artists have come to the exhibition to observe and discuss the past, present, and future state of nature as a subject in Indonesian art. Below are the names of these artists:
Akbar Linggaprana | Bambang Sudarto | Chusin Setiadikara | Inda C. Noerhadi | Iryanto Hadi | Ni Nyoman Sani | P. Lanny Andriani | Pardoli Fadli | Prabu Perdana | Putu Sutawijaya | R. E. Hartanto | Siont Teja | Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono | Syakieb Sungkar | Tommy F. Awuy
Art’s Importance for the Future
Noting the current environmental state, many artists have conveyed their protests through their art. In some, nature is portrayed solemnly through an apocalyptic feel. Several works depict nature as something deteriorating and ruined instead of its usual calming beauty, which aligns with several current environmental issues such as climate change.
However in others, they still portray nature as beautiful. To them, depicting nature in art is no longer a form of admiration, but also preservation. It serves as a reminder that the nature we admire today is something we must protect together to avoid losing it.
Exhibition Details & Visitor Information
Dates: April 4 - April 25, 2026
Time: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00 WIB
Venue: NEO Gallery, Masterpiece Building (2nd Floor), Jl. Tanah Abang IV No. 23-25, Central Jakarta
Admission: Free (On-site registration available)
For more information, please visit the NEO Gallery Instagram page @neogallery.idn or contact Mira at 0812-8333-4157.