TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

‘Semesta Arkiv’: A whimsical playground of art and reflection

The exhibit, which runs until May 11 at the National Gallery, showcases over 100 pieces by Bandung artist Arkiv Vilmansa in a glorious burst of whimsical shape, form and color that offers escape from today’s realities.

Sylviana Hamdani (Contributor/Jakarta)
Premium
Tue, March 25, 2025 Published on Mar. 24, 2025 Published on 2025-03-24T16:39:00+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
‘Semesta Arkiv’: A whimsical playground of art and reflection Nautical inspiration: Visitors stand before “Together“, a 14-meter-long painting consisting of 11 panels displayed at “Semesta Arkiv” (Arkiv’s universe), an exhibition of Arkiv Vilmansa’s artworks that runs from Feb. 22, 2025, to May 11, 2025, at the National Gallery in Gambir, Central Jakarta. (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)

 

 

 

“We have art in order not to die of reality,” Friedrich Nietzsche once mused, and it seems that reality is not pulling any punches lately: Grim headlines are constantly landing, near and far. Against this backdrop is Arkiv Vilmansa’s latest exhibition at the National Gallery in Gambir, Central Jakarta, which feels like a breath of fresh air: a reminder that wonder still exists.

Over 100 works by the Bandung-based artist and toy designer have transformed three of the museum’s main buildings into a vibrant showcase of bold colors, dynamic forms and playful visuals headlined by Runna, a colossal pink humpback whale that rests in the front yard.

Titled “Semesta Arkiv” (Arkiv’s universe), the exhibit features installations, paintings and sculptures, some created with fellow artists, in a first for the National Gallery.

“This scale is unprecedented, especially for a young contemporary artist,” museum guide Abimanyu said during a special tour on March 8.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

‘Semesta Arkiv’: A whimsical playground of art and reflection

Rp 35,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 35,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.