Canvas of Strength: Discovering the Passion Behind ‘Spirit 25’

Robert Draws – Passion Behind ‘Spirit 25’ is evident in every stroke on the canvas. A painting is more than colors and shapes; it is a silent voice. In the quiet gallery, vibrant hues and bold lines awaken emotions and inspiration. The Gerakan Perupa Antar Kota (Geprak) community organized the ‘Spirit 25′ exhibition. The event takes place at Galeri Prabangkara, Surabaya, from February 15 to 21, 2025. The goal is to ignite passion and encourage artists to keep creating. Muit Arsa, Chairman of Geprak, believes that art is not just about aesthetics. He emphasizes the energy and emotion behind every piece. This exhibition is meant to boost artists’ spirits in 2025. “Never stop painting. Every stroke tells a story and inspires others,” said Muit on Tuesday, February 20, 2025.

A Gathering of 32 Artists

Thirty-two painters from various cities in East Java participate in this exhibition. Each artist contributes a maximum of two works. In total, 46 paintings are displayed, available for both appreciation and collection. The exhibition does not limit artistic styles. The showcased works range from realism, expressionism, decorative, abstract, to naturalism. This diversity reflects the artists’ unique expressions. “Every artist is free to present their own style. We want to show that art is broad and open to interpretation,” added Muit. The preparation for this exhibition took about a month. A strict curation process ensures only the best works are displayed.

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Bringing Art to a Wider Audience

More than just a showcase, ‘Spirit 25’ is a platform to introduce artists to a broader audience. “We want people to not only admire but also own artworks,” said Muit. The paintings in the exhibition are available for purchase. Prices range from IDR 3 million to IDR 15 million. The minimum canvas size is 50 cm, while the largest measures 1.5 meters. “Buying a painting is not just about acquiring an image. It also supports an artist’s journey.”

A Mix of Senior and Young Artists

One of the highlights of this exhibition is the variety of artists’ backgrounds. Some are experienced painters, while others are emerging talents in the art world. “We always welcome new artists. Regeneration in art is important. However, we maintain a selection process to ensure high-quality works,” said Muit.

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Support from Local Authorities

The East Java Provincial Government, through the UPT Taman Budaya Jawa Timur, plays a role in making this exhibition possible. Hario Widyoseno, Head of the Presentation Section of UPT Taman Budaya Jawa Timur, emphasizes the importance of providing exhibition spaces for local artists. “We aim to appreciate artists who continue creating. This exhibition is one of our ways to support them,” he said. Hario hopes this event will encourage more people to visit exhibitions and appreciate local art. With more galleries and exhibition spaces, public interest in art can continue to grow. “At the very least, people should appreciate the artworks. Even better, they could buy and collect them. That would be a great help for the artists,” Hario added.