Yogyakarta, 27 March 2026 - ISI Yogyakarta reaffirmed its position as a center for the development of national fine arts through the organization of an exhibition entitled “Lanskap” at the R.J. Katamsi Gallery. This exhibition presents a critical approach to the tradition of landscape painting, especially in relation to the history of aesthetics. Mooi Indie which developed since the late 19th century.
Curated by A. Anzieb and officially opened by KPH. Wironegoro on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 19.00 WIB, this exhibition serves as a space for dialogue between the history of Indonesian painting and contemporary artistic practice. A number of artists across generations participated, presenting works that not only represent visual beauty, but also contain critical reflections on cultural constructions in the landscape.
Historically, the style Mooi Indie is known as a visual representation of the natural beauty of the Dutch East Indies that was popularized by European painters, and followed by a number of indigenous painters such as Raden Saleh Sjarif Bustaman, Abdullah Surio Subroto, and Basuki Abdullah. However, behind this aesthetic, there is a critical discourse on the possibility of cultural appropriation practices - where local symbols, traditions and identities are represented without adequate recognition of their origins.
Through the exhibition “Lanskap”, the artists attempt to reopen this space for interpretation in the current context. Landscape is no longer understood simply as a visual object, but as an ideological field that records power relations, history and identity. This approach shows how art can function as a medium of reflection as well as criticism of dominant narratives that have been formed over centuries.
The exhibition, which takes place on April 2-8, 2026, is open to the public every day at 10:00-20:00 WIB. The presence of this exhibition also strengthens the role of ISI Yogyakarta as an art higher education institution that actively encourages the production of knowledge based on artistic practice, and becomes a strategic space for art discourse that is relevant to global developments.
More than just an appreciation event, “Lanskap” is a manifestation of ISI Yogyakarta's commitment to developing a critical, reflective and impactful art ecosystem - in line with the spirit of the campus as a center of cultural innovation that continues to move forward at the national and international levels.
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