"Widya Segara" will feature an impressive installation: a giant whale sculpture standing 9 metres tall, 12 metres wide, and stretching 30 metres in length, representing the vast maritime potential of the Indonesian archipelago. This immersive project is designed to present a largescale three-dimensional art piece along the coastline, offering a compelling visual experience and raising awareness about the importance of preserving Indonesia's oceans, particularly in Bali. The installation will serve as an interactive and thought-provoking platform for visitors to engage with the region’s environmental and cultural heritage. Tanah Lot, known for their natural beauty and as a meaningful spiritual site, was chosen as an ideal location to showcase this work, marking the history of human-whale interactions in Tabanan that occurred some time ago.
E-Motion Entertainment, a leading company in the realms of music, film, television, media, and digital technology, is expanding into the visual arts. As part of this growth, E-Motion Entertainment is collaborating with Arkiv and Galeri Zen 1 to celebrate Indonesia’s diverse natural beauty, rich culture, and dynamic arts scene.
“E-Motion Entertainment has always been committed to supporting Indonesia’s creative industries—from music and film to the visual arts. Widya Segara is the next step in our ongoing commitment to advancing the creative sector in Indonesia. This exhibition is a powerful example of how art can send a global message from Indonesia,” said Arnold Jaguar Limasnax, CEO of E-Motion Entertainment.
Arnold also highlighted the importance of environmental preservation and encouraged local artists to use their works to deliver meaningful messages to the public.
“We must cherish and be proud of Indonesia’s abundant marine life. Through art, we can spread the message of environmental protection far and wide. I encourage other local artists to create works that inspire positive change,” said Arnold.
As a gallery owner, Nicolaus Kuswanto sees an essential role in bridging Arkiv's aspirations, who has traveled globally, with the local art scene.
"As the gallery owner, my job is to bridge Arkiv's aspirations, who has traveled the world, with a new direction for the coming years. We will start highlighting marine life themes, focusing on Indonesia’s famous marine biodiversity to inspire Arkiv’s works," said Nicolaus.
“On marine conservation, the way artists depict marine life must be in harmony with preserving it. This is why the 'Widya Segara' event is so closely linked to the protection of marine environments. Arkiv was inspired a few years ago while visiting a beautiful beach abroad. That’s when he realized that Indonesia’s beaches are even more stunning,” Nicolaus continued.
In addition to the giant whale installation, "Widya Segara" will also showcase a variety of traditional and contemporary Balinese performances, providing an enriching cultural experience for all attendees. The event will feature Balinese dance, music, and other performances that will bring the celebration to life. The timing of this event also coincides with the anniversary of Tabanan Regency, making it a meaningful occasion to honour the region’s cultural heritage.
Beyond its artistic display, this event will also shine a light on the critical issues of ocean damage and plastic pollution—concerns that have a direct impact on Indonesia's tourism sector. The participation of environmentally-conscious artists underscores the need to address these challenges and inspire change.
The Regent of Tabanan, Dr. I Komang Gede Sanjaya also said that the artwork that is shown will carry a message about nature conservation.
“The philosophy that we get from here is that we in Bali, especially in Tabanan, are very sacred to this whale, because when there is a pink whale by the world's top artists, it implies that this 'ulam agung' whale carries a message of environmental conservation, namely sagara kerdeh. So with this sagara kerthi we sanctify nature, especially the sea, how this whale brings a message of how we preserve our natural marine biota, especially those in Tabanan.” said Tabanan Regent, Dr. I Komang Gede Sanjaya, SE, MM.
By involving local artists in the event, "Widya Segara" will showcase Bali in a new light—not only as a renowned tourist destination but also as a region with a rich cultural and historical legacy.
After the event at Tanah Lot, Arkiv Vilmansa, E-Motion Entertainment and Galeri Zen 1 will be bringing more works to various scenic locations. In December 2024, the exhibition will move to Locca Sea House in Badung, Bali.
In February 2025, another of Arkiv’s major installations will be featured at the National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta. This exhibition is anticipated to become a landmark event in Indonesia’s art world, drawing attention not only to the beauty of the artwork but also to the importance of preserving the nation’s diverse marine life.
The "Widya Segara" installation by Arkiv Vilmansa, E-Motion Entertainment and Galeri Zen 1 aims to offer a stunning visual experience while linking the region’s maritime culture with Arkiv’s contemporary artistic perspective.
