Neo Gallery presents Living Eden, an art exhibition curated by Anna Sungkar that explores a cross-generational dialogue on the beauty of nature in Indonesian painting. The exhibition opened on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB at Neo Gallery, Masterpiece Building, Jl. Tanah Abang IV No. 25, Central Jakarta, and was officially inaugurated by renowned collector and lawyer Daniel Ginting. It will run through April 25, 2026.
Centered on the theme of natural beauty as a space for aesthetic and cultural reflection, Living Eden positions nature not merely as a visual subject, but as an emotional and spiritual experience—one deeply rooted in Indonesia’s artistic history and tropical environment. By bringing together artists from different generations, the exhibition presents a wide range of artistic approaches, from realism to expressionism, fostering a dynamic dialogue that expands interpretations of landscape.
The exhibition features works by contemporary artists, including Akbar Linggaprana, Bambang Sudarto, Chusin Setiadikara, Inda C. Noerhadi, Iryanto Hadi, Ni Nyoman Sani, P. Lanny Andriani, Pardoli Fadli, Prabu Perdana, Putu Sutawijaya, R. E. Hartanto, Siont Teja, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Syakieb Sungkar, and Tommy F. Awuy. It also showcases works by prominent Indonesian masters such as Affandi, Basoeki Abdullah, Dullah, Hendra Gunawan, Henk Ngantung, Lee Man Fong, S. Sudjojono, and Widayat.
According to curator Anna Sungkar, the title Living Eden serves as a point of reflection between classical romanticism and a critical reading of Indonesian art history, including the Mooi Indie concept, which once idealized natural beauty while overlooking underlying social realities. Criticism voiced by S. Sudjojono helped reshape this perspective, emphasizing that beauty is not merely visual, but must also be socially and emotionally honest. In this exhibition, the tension between idealization and critique is revisited through diverse artistic approaches, without imposing a single conclusion.
The exhibition also highlights the distinction between naturalism and realism in painting. Naturalism, which prioritizes visual accuracy, is contrasted with realism, which incorporates social context and human experience. These approaches coexist within Living Eden, reflecting a broader understanding of nature’s beauty—from visual serenity to deeper ecological awareness.
In a contemporary context, Living Eden underscores that painting nature is no longer limited to visual documentation. Amid rapid technological development, painting becomes a contemplative act that affirms human presence in the creative process. Technology serves as a supporting tool, while environmental concerns introduce new ethical dimensions to the representation of nature.
Stefanus Randy Oenardi Raharjo, owner of Neo Gallery, explained, “Through Living Eden, which highlights the beauty of Indonesia’s natural landscapes, we invite the art community to reflect on both contemporary artists and past masters. By presenting works from our collection of maestros alongside contemporary pieces, the public can appreciate the evolution of artistic expression and compare interpretations across generations.”
Through this exhibition, Neo Gallery invites the public to reflect on humanity’s relationship with nature in an era of change, while reaffirming painting’s enduring relevance as a medium for reflection, dialogue, and the continuation of artistic tradition. []
