Robert Draws – The 2025 Art Parade, held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, was a resounding success. Dozens of artists showcased their talent, captivating the audience with impressive performances and art pieces.
The event began with a speech from Memet Hakim, an artist and art enthusiast. He emphasized the current state of the nation, describing Indonesia as “chaotic.” Memet pointed out the recent issues surrounding Indonesia’s waters, particularly the privatization of the sea, which he criticized for endangering the country’s sovereignty. He urged artists to express their love for the nation through their art.
After his remarks, Memet was presented with a painting by AR Tanjung. The opening ceremony continued with a group prayer and a rendition of “Indonesia Raya.”
The performances kicked off with Revki Maraktifa, a painter known for his unique approach to art. Before beginning his live painting session, Revki requested music to accompany his creative process. The song “Bento” by Iwan Fals played as Revki worked on his canvas, creating an abstract depiction of a violin. He titled his painting “Bento,” inspired by the song’s title.
Next up were Yosef and Ronny (Y&R), who performed under the theme “Bumi Kita Membara” (Our Earth is Burning). Their performance touched on pressing social and political issues such as land mafia, CSR, and coastal boundaries. The duo captivated the crowd with their thought-provoking presentation.
Nizar Iskandar followed with a mesmerizing performance blending breakdance and Jaipong. He also incorporated pantomime in his act, presenting a piece titled “Tanah Airku” (My Homeland). The mix of dance and mime offered a deep reflection on national identity.
Edi Resina Singaperwata, a well-known ballad musician, performed next, delivering socially critical lyrics through his songs. He engaged the audience with his powerful messages and emotional delivery.
The show continued with Gaus FM and Teater Minikata, as well as actor Dody Yan Masfa from Teater Tobong Surabaya, whose performance left the audience in awe. Choreographer Lena Gustina also showcased a stunning performance titled “Geliat Sukma.”
Hermana AT delivered a poignant monologue focused on the controversy surrounding the 3 kg LPG cylinder issue, which had led to public outrage and even tragic incidents.
The event concluded with a monologue by Nur Rahmat SN, an actor from Teater Alit Jakarta. His piece, “Surat kepada Orang Terkasih” (Letter to a Loved One), written by Taufan S Chandranegara, left the audience reflecting on deep personal connections.
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In addition to the live performances, the event also featured a selection of paintings by various artists, including Saepul Bahri, AR Tanjung, Andy Sopiandi, and Revki Maraktiva. Their works provided a visual representation of the themes addressed in the performances.
Saepul Bahri’s painting, “Naga: Pagar Makan Lautan” (Dragon: The Sea Wall), delivered a powerful message about the dangers of being consumed by wealth and neglecting the nation’s well-being. His depiction of a black dragon symbolized negative behavior, urging the public to be aware of the consequences of their actions.
AR Tanjung’s piece, “Naga Mati di Ujung Bambu” (Dragon Dies at the Bamboo Tip), reflected the artist’s response to the ongoing maritime boundary issues. He emphasized the role of artists as cultural watchdogs, highlighting their responsibility to express the societal unrest surrounding these topics.
Andy Sopiandi’s painting, “Bandung Utara” (North Bandung), raised concerns about the rapid urbanization in North Bandung. His work pointed out the environmental consequences, including decreased water absorption and increasing floods in South Bandung.
Revki Maraktiva’s painting “Bento,” created during his live performance, was also showcased. The piece continued the theme of reflecting on the interplay between art, music, and identity.
Yosef Octa, the organizer of the event, expressed his happiness and pride in successfully bringing together artists for a unifying cause. He shared that the event aimed to celebrate the expressions and creativity of artists in 2025. He expressed his pride in hosting the event at Rumah Budaya Engkol (RBE) and emphasized the importance of creating a space for cultural expression.
Yosef mentioned that the event would continue to grow, with plans to hold another in August 2025. He also stated that this event served as a meeting point for artists, academics, and the public to enjoy and support the development of art in Bandung and Indonesia.
The event, supported by RBE, Migasnesia, Meditarium, Forum Seni Budaya Indonesia (FSBI), CSR Indonesia, and Jabarsatu, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Indonesian art community. It provided a platform for artists to showcase their works while strengthening the connection between various art communities.
This successful 2025 Art Parade will not only be remembered for its stunning performances and art exhibitions but also for its role in opening the year 2025 with a celebration of creativity. The organizers plan to take the 2025 Art Parade to other cities, spreading the spirit of artistic expression throughout the nation.
