Arts as A Cultural Exploration of Korea and ASEAN: My Visit to "Prisoner of Hope" Exhibition (English) & Introduction to KONNECT ASEAN (Indonesian)

On 11th August, i visited a painting exhibition of an Indonesian well-known artist, Hendra Gunawan. It was actually an un-planned visit. I happened to have to join other events at Ciputra Artpreneur Theater where the exhibition held. The visit is my first time to see a local contemporary arts, and this is a nice experience for me.

“Do you know any well-known artist (painter) in Indonesia?”

That was the question asked by the exhibition guide when i and a friend were looking at some collection of paintings in “Prisoner of Hope” 100th Years Hendra Gunawan’s paintings exhibition.

Because the question came so suddenly, we shook our heads, which led the guide into disbelieve because we don’t know any painter in Indonesia even though we’re Indonesian people. But actually, i answered it on my head, “I’m sure i knew some painters, but i can’t remember the name,” i thought.

And then the guide mentioned several names of the well-known painters in Indonesia. He was so sure that we know them, and well, at least for me, i’ve heard some names.

The guide mentioned many names, but i only remember 3 names, including Affandi, Raden Saleh, and Hendra Gunawan, whose paintings exhibited in the exhibition located at Ciputra Artpreneur Gallery and Museum.


Well, the guide then mentioned some names, including Affandi, Raden Saleh, and Hendra Gunawan. Once he mentioned Raden Saleh, i was like "Ah! I know Raden Saleh from the movie Stealing Raden Saleh".

A story about a group of teens who got a mission to steal a painting full of historical value, “Stealing Raden Saleh” was giving a great impression when it’s release last year. I’ve watched it through Netflix, and yes i loved it so much. That’s why the name of Raden Saleh as a painter became familiar to me.


Based on news article posted in Ciputra.com titled “Ciputra Artpreneur Holds 100 Years of Hendra Gunawan”, the exhibition was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hendra Gunawan and also the exhibition called “The Prisoner of Hope” refers to the 13 years that Hendra Gunawan lived in Waru Gardens prison for his alleged involvement in the activities of “Lembaga Kebudayaan Rakyat” or Lekra, the Indonesian People’s Cultural Institute which was active in the 1950s and 1960s. 


The guide of the exhibition told us some story of Hendra Gunawan which was imprisoned in a political prison for 12 years, similar to Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a popular Indonesian novelist who was imprisoned too. Hendra also got a lot inspiration from Affandi in his journey as a painters. They even have a group called "Group of Five", together with the three other painters namely Barli, Sudarso, and Wahdi.


In this exhibition, I can see many paintings from what i can enjoy seeing it, to paintings that i didn't dare to see at all. From a painting that shows Indonesian cultures, to a painting which tells a history in it.



The important thing i learned from this visit is that history is not only written in books, but also painted on canvas. Cultures and part of history puzzle of a country can also be found through arts, such as paintings and novels.

Now guys, can you tell us stories of any well-known artist in your country?

#2023KAOS #주아세안대표부서포터즈 #koreaaseanonlinesupporters #한아세안온라인서포터즈 #주아세안대표부 #rokmissiontoasean

[ Cultural Exploration of Korea and ASEAN: KONNECT ASEAN ]

Still related to the topic of works of art as transmitters of culture and history, now I want to introduce you to KONNECT ASEAN through photos down below. The content i made is in Indonesian language, so, be prepared for your Google Translate! XD

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