Robert Draws – Lewu Gallery, located on Jl. Punai No. 107 in Palangka Raya, is currently hosting an art exhibition titled Nostalgia Kalimantan. The exhibition is open to the public from February 1 to 28, 2025. This unique event invites visitors to dive into the rich culture and beauty of Kalimantan through the eyes of 23 local artists. The artworks on display reflect Kalimantan’s identity and nostalgia, offering a deeper connection to the island’s history and culture.
The Nostalgia Kalimantan exhibition is a powerful tribute to the island’s artistic heritage. Through paintings, installations, and other forms of visual art, visitors can experience the nostalgic essence of Kalimantan’s past. The event provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work, and many of the paintings featured in the exhibition are available for purchase.
Meri, a gallery attendant, explained that this exhibition serves as an important space for artists to display their creative expressions. “The gallery also functions as a place for creativity, and we have a studio here. So, all the paintings in this gallery are for sale,” Meri said on February 13, 2025. This initiative highlights the gallery’s commitment to supporting the local art scene and fostering artistic innovation.
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Visitors to the exhibition have shared their personal experiences, describing how they feel a deep connection to the nostalgic atmosphere created by the artwork. One such visitor, Putri, expressed her sentiments upon entering the gallery: “From the moment I stepped into the exhibition, I could immediately feel the nostalgia. The paintings and the old-time artifacts shown here take me back to the Kalimantan of the past.”
The exhibition’s thoughtful curation of both art and historical memorabilia helps create an immersive experience. It offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the cultural richness of Kalimantan, fostering a sense of appreciation for the island’s heritage.
Lewu Gallery is dedicated to providing an inclusive space for all kinds of visitors. The exhibition aims to attract a wide range of people, including students, art lovers, and tourists. Elva and Nurul, two students who visited the exhibition, were particularly impressed by the beauty of the space and the aesthetic value of the artworks. “We are both university students, and we find this place very attractive. The art is aesthetically pleasing, and it makes for great photo opportunities,” said Elva and Nurul.
The gallery has successfully created a space where both the younger generation and seasoned art lovers can connect with the cultural and artistic narratives of Kalimantan. This inclusivity is central to the gallery’s mission to engage people of all backgrounds with the island’s diverse artistic expressions.
To ensure that the exhibition is accessible to all, Lewu Gallery has set affordable entry fees. Students pay Rp15,000, while the general public is charged Rp20,000. These fees make it easy for individuals from different walks of life to enjoy the exhibition while also supporting the gallery’s initiatives.
The Nostalgia Kalimantan exhibition is more than just an art show. It invites visitors to reflect on the cultural evolution of Kalimantan and its people. The gallery hopes that this exhibition will inspire the younger generation to engage more deeply with the local culture and heritage.
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Lewu Gallery’s Nostalgia Kalimantan exhibition also serves a larger purpose: promoting the preservation of local culture. Through art, the gallery encourages visitors to appreciate the importance of safeguarding Kalimantan’s cultural legacy. By showcasing works that highlight the island’s past, the exhibition reminds the community of the value of cultural preservation.
As the exhibition continues throughout February, it provides an essential platform for both artists and audiences to celebrate Kalimantan’s unique cultural identity. By fostering a deeper understanding of local history and traditions, the gallery hopes to spark a broader conversation about the role of art in preserving cultural heritage.
The Nostalgia Kalimantan exhibition stands as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating local artistry. It demonstrates how art can play a crucial role in keeping cultural traditions alive, offering a window into the past for future generations. Lewu Gallery, through its commitment to showcasing Kalimantan’s artistic heritage, is making a significant contribution to the island’s cultural landscape.
With its blend of historical reflection and artistic innovation, this exhibition proves that art is not only a means of expression but also a tool for education and cultural dialogue. It encourages visitors to look at Kalimantan not just as it is today, but as it once was, and to recognize the value of preserving its unique traditions for the future.
