Founded in 2017, the festival aimed at injecting artistic touches to the murals found along the street of Jl. Gatot Subroto and Jl. Slamet Riyadi, as well as in the alleys of Kemlayan and Nonongan.

In the daytime, Jl. Gatot Subroto is a center of business activity. But come evening time, the street becomes a public space for Surakarta’s youth.

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Fransiska, a mural painter from UNS, said she was excited to take part in the Urban Public Art Festival. “We are provided an opportunity and space to express ourselves through murals. We’re also ecstatic to find that the street that’s used to being deserted at night is a new place to hang out,” she added.  

In one corner, mural artist Agung Nugroho of the Sebumi community painted a man riding a bicycle, carrying his goods for sale. “I’d like to tell the story of perseverance and hard work,” he said. Along with social and cultural themes, the mural artists at the event depicted topics of peace and conservation.

When dawn came on Jl. Gatot Subroto, groups of people were still found along the road. A number of artists painted the shops’ walls, while others enjoyed live music and performance art shows. As morning arrived, some murals received finishing touches, amid the town walls that showcased youth expression. (wng)

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