Garden of Time: Collaboration between Sanggar Dewata Indonesia and Daejeon Korean Artists in Ubud

Ubud once again becomes an important space for cultural dialogue through the exhibition "Garden of Time: The Journey of Nature and Man." Held at Komaneka Gallery on September 17–23, 2025, the exhibition presents works by artists from Sanggar Dewata Indonesia Bali and the Daejeon International Art Exchange Association, South Korea. This collaboration stands as a symbol of friendship and cross-national artistic exchange.

The 17th exhibition of the Daejeon International Art Exchange Association presents a universal yet profound theme about the relationship between humans and nature. Through the medium of visual art, artists from both countries strive to convey messages about the passage of time, the transformation of nature, and the shared human responsibility in protecting the Earth.

Indonesian and Korean artists at the opening of the “Garden of Time” exhibition at Komaneka Gallery, Ubud (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

A New Momentum for Sanggar Dewata Indonesia on the International Stage

Sanggar Dewata Indonesia (SDI) is an artist community that has established its position in the Indonesian national art scene. With more than 200 members spread across two boards based in Yogyakarta and Bali, SDI has become a bridge for artists across generations to create and collaborate. The SDI Bali artists participating in the Garden of Time exhibition showcase a diversity of techniques and artistic approaches that reflect the richness of contemporary Balinese art traditions.

The Chairman of Sanggar Dewata Indonesia Bali, I Made Arya Palguna, emphasized that this exhibition is a significant momentum for both communities. Previously, SDI collaborated with Malaysian artists in a joint exhibition at Tony Raka Gallery in February 2025, and now continues its tradition of international collaboration with Korean artists.

The participating SDI artists bring with them diverse backgrounds and creative experiences. Gusti Ketut Oka Armini, born in Denpasar in 1967, has been active in exhibitions since 1986, developing graphic works through medium exploration and conceptual ideas. I Gusti Agung Bagus Ari Maruta, a graduate of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta, presents works with a contemporary approach, blending tradition and modernity.

“Intertwined Trails” by I Wayan Arnata (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The artwork "Intertwined Trails" by I Wayan Arnata, created with thread on towel fabric measuring 120×100 cm, highlights an exploration of non-conventional media that reflects innovation in contemporary Indonesian art.

I Wayan Arnata, an artist born in Sukawati in 1973 and an alumnus of FSR ISI Yogyakarta, is a prime example of an SDI artist who continually innovates with media and technique. His textile work "Intertwined Trails" demonstrates how Indonesian artists explore unconventional mediums to convey messages about the interconnectedness of life’s paths. The use of thread as the primary medium symbolizes the red thread of life, which links various aspects of human existence with nature.

Works by Korean artists using diverse techniques, ranging from oil painting to mixed media (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Connecting Generations of Korean Artists on the International Stage

The Daejeon International Art Exchange Association, founded in 2007, has become a pioneer of South Korea’s cultural diplomacy through the visual arts. The organization has organized exchanges with more than 20 countries across continents, promoting dialogue through the universal language of art. Korean artists present works with a wide range of techniques and themes, from contemporary abstraction to figurative representations that depict the relationship between humans and nature.

This exhibition aims to provide a platform for communication and understanding through artworks that embody the cultural diversity of Korea and Indonesia. The participation of Korean artists spans multiple generations and diverse artistic backgrounds, from senior artists to the younger generation with contemporary approaches.

Woongtaek Shim, President of the Daejeon International Art Exchange Association, reaffirmed that this exhibition seeks to create a platform for communication and understanding, while bringing together generational diversity in a single space of cross-cultural artistic dialogue.

The exhibition atmosphere at Komaneka Gallery showcasing artworks with diverse techniques and artistic approaches (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Theme "Garden of Time" as the Symbiosis of Nature and Humanity

The theme "Garden of Time: The Journey of Nature and Man" was chosen to invite visitors to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. This theme is highly relevant to the current global condition, where environmental and sustainability issues have become key concerns worldwide.

The exhibited works reflect diverse interpretations of this theme. Indonesian artists present approaches that blend local traditions with a global context, while Korean artists showcase a more contemporary perspective through varied techniques and media. This diversity of interpretations creates a rich and profound visual dialogue on how different cultures understand the relationship between humanity and nature.

Artworks by Sanggar Dewata Indonesia (SDI) artists exhibited at Komaneka Gallery (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Cultural Heritage in a Global Context

The exhibition "Garden of Time: The Journey of Nature and Man" presents an artistic dialogue between Indonesia and Korea, centered on the theme of the human–nature relationship, which resonates with global issues. The showcased works highlight a diversity of interpretations, while positioning art as a bridge of cultural diplomacy and a medium for reflection on environmental responsibility.

Involving 17 Indonesian artists and 75 Korean artists, the exhibition enriches contemporary Asian art and demonstrates how Ubud serves as an ideal space for international cultural exchange. This collaboration stands as an example of cross-cultural cooperation that transcends geographical boundaries and paves the way for sustained dialogue.