Alicia Putri
Apr 28, 2025
Hotel Majapahit Surabaya MGallery presents “Hymne of The Blue: A Journey Through Art and History”, an exclusive experience that beautifully intertwines contemporary art with rich local heritage. This special program will take place on two selected dates, April 25 and May 2, 2025, starting at 3 PM.
Hotel Majapahit Surabaya MGallery presents “Hymne of The Blue: A Journey Through Art and History”
The event begins earlier at 2 PM with a visit to the art exhibition "ARAK-ARAK: Midnight Haze and The Drifting Flocks", created by renowned Yogyakarta-based artist Jompet Kuswidananto. Hosted at Pasar Tunjungan, right across from Hotel Majapahit, this exhibition is part of the Road to ARTJOG 2025 series, running from April 19 to May 3, 2025. This pre-event celebration leads up to the main ARTJOG 2025 festival, which will be held in Yogyakarta from June 20 to August 31, 2025.
In this solo exhibition, Jompet collaborates with Surabaya-based curator and writer Ayos Purwoaji. Together, they craft a powerful artistic journey that explores traces of time, crossing the mist of history and voices that have shaped today’s cultural landscape. Known for his use of multimedia installations, kinetic objects, lighting effects, and sound orchestration, Jompet brings historical narratives back to life as echoes that continue to form the reality of the present.
One of the key artworks features a striking blue cloth, symbolizing a piece of the Dutch flag that was famously torn by Arek-Arek Suroboyo during a heroic event at the Hotel Majapahit (formerly known as Hotel Yamato or Hotel Oranje). This powerful installation not only represents the spirit of resistance and struggle but also reflects the concept of arak-arakan (procession) as a symbol of collective movement, reinforcing Surabaya's identity as the City of Heroes.
After experiencing the exhibition, guests are invited to join a Heritage Hotel Tour at Hotel Majapahit Surabaya MGallery. The tour will guide participants through the hotel's historic corridors and iconic rooms, bringing to life key moments in Indonesia’s fight for independence. Stories such as the historic flag-tearing incident will be shared, providing a deeper understanding of the nation’s journey toward freedom.
To conclude the afternoon, guests will be treated to a Dutch-style High Tea in the hotel’s charming colonial setting. This refined dining experience not only offers delightful treats but also perfectly complements the themes of art, history, and cultural heritage, creating a memorable and meaningful moment for every participant.
Bundled tickets for this special program are priced at IDR 250,000 and can be purchased through ARTJOG’s official website at artjog.id/menyusursejarah. Tickets must be purchased no later than one day before the event date.
This event is designed to deepen public appreciation of Jompet Kuswidananto’s artistic works while offering an immersive way to reconnect with Indonesia’s heroic past. It is an artistic and historical journey, inviting guests to engage with Surabaya’s spirit and identity in a unique and unforgettable way.
Since its founding in 2008 as Jogja Art Fair, ARTJOG has grown into Indonesia’s most prestigious contemporary art festival, held annually in Yogyakarta. ARTJOG provides a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists to present innovative works that address social, cultural, and political issues. The festival showcases diverse artistic expressions including visual arts, performances, installations, and interactive programs that encourage dialogue between artists and the public.
ARTJOG 2025 will officially take place from June 20 to August 31, 2025, at Jogja National Museum. Until then, programs like Road to ARTJOG offer exciting previews that bring art closer to audiences across Indonesia. For more information and updates, visit the official ARTJOG website at www.artjog.id.