Jakarta - The Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Indonesia presents an exhibition entitled Jejak Perlawanan “The President 2001” Tribute to Hardi (1951-2023). The exhibition honors Raden Soehardi Adimaryono, better known as Hardi, an artist who has made a major contribution to the development of Indonesian art.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, in the opening ceremony of the exhibition, emphasized the importance of Hardi's role as an artist who was full of creativity and often took center stage in the art world.
“We feel the loss of a great artist who was once praised by the late painter Afandi as one of the best painters. Hardi was a very creative and critical person, who always dared to criticize and convey his ideas straightforwardly,” said Minister Fadli in a written statement received by InfoPublik, Monday (13/1/2025).
Minister Fadli Zon also emphasized the importance of Indonesian modern art not only as an individual expression, but also as a tool to build dialogue between nations, preserve cultural identity, and encourage social change that prioritizes national values and diversity. “It has been a year since Hardi passed away, but his work remains eternal and a source of inspiration for us in enhancing creativity and enriching the artistic journey of the Indonesian nation,” he added.
Hardi, according to Minister Fadli, taught that art is a tool to voice justice, drive change, and build a more humane civilization. “This exhibition is a worthy tribute to a great artist. Hardi's works are the nation's assets, and through this exhibition we appreciate and introduce the works of our maestro to future generations,” Minister Fadli concluded.
Jibril Fitra Erlangga, Hardi's son, also expressed his appreciation for the exhibition. “This exhibition is a great tribute to my father, and I am sure he will be happy to see his work appreciated by many people,” he said emotionally.
The exhibition features 78 works comprising 69 paintings and sketches, 5 anchors, 4 krises, and a personal archive that provides a deep insight into Hardi's creative process and life journey. One special room is designed to replicate the atmosphere of Hardi's studio, complete with an interactive installation based on artificial intelligence, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The exhibition Jejak Perlawanan “The President 2001” Tribute to Hardi (1951-2023) can be visited from January 10 to 26, 2025 at Building A, National Gallery of Indonesia, at 09.00-19.00 WIB. Visitors who wish to attend can register directly at the location. For more information about this exhibition, please visit the official Instagram account of Galeri Nasional Indonesia at @galerinasional.
This exhibition not only provides an opportunity to commemorate Hardi's work, but also a platform to further explore his contribution to the development of Indonesian art and the social messages presented through his works.