Art Exhibition 'Art with Heart 2026' Held, Creating Space for Disabled Artists Towards Independence
A different scene unfolded in the atrium of a Jakarta mall, where a spacious area was transformed into a temporary art gallery. A line of partitions, each about three metres tall, stood to create small corridors, turning the commercial space into a makeshift gallery.
One painting in a passage drew attention: on the canvas were six figures dressed in traditional religious attire, seated side by side, but their heads were replaced by frames containing illustrations of a place of worship—an image that felt warm yet sacred. Their hands clasped in union, symbolising unity and cross-cultural connection.
This was one of around 70 artworks presented at Art with Heart, held from 21–24 May at Gandaria City, Jakarta. Unlike most art exhibitions, the works on display belonged to 20 artists with disabilities and 18 senior Indonesian artists. Participating names include Ampun Sutrisno, Hestu Wahyuni, Budi Ubrux, and Suzanne.
“We’ve reached the third edition of Art with Heart. Panasonic Gobel and the Gobel Group have staged an exhibition that brings together works by disabled artists and those of senior artists. In its third year, our mission is to help disabled artists develop independently and professionally,” said Muhammad Arif Rachmat Gobel, Director of Panasonic, in Jakarta on Thursday (21 May).
Arif explained that visitors interested in purchasing artworks from the disabled artists can contact the relevant team directly. This approach opens up income opportunities for the artists while also increasing public appreciation of fine art in Indonesia, with a portion of sales proceeds dedicated to supporting the independence of the disabled artists through the involved foundations.
Each brushstroke at Art with Heart is a testament. Art recognises no physical or mental limits. Through the exhibition, the public is invited to see disability not as a hindrance, but as a unique perspective in viewing the world.
Beyond a mere exhibition, Art with Heart serves as a space for disabled artists to grow confidence, develop independence, and expand their roles within society. Each work reflects how art can be a vehicle for empowerment that transcends various constraints.
“Art becomes a bridge to independence. We want to create real opportunities for disabled artists to flourish autonomously, including through collaboration and access to markets,” Arif explained.
The exhibition takes its title Kami (We), chosen for its meaning in both Indonesian and Japanese. In Indonesian, it refers to more than one person, reflecting togetherness and collectivity. In the Shinto understanding in Japan, Kami is interpreted as a spirit or soul closely tied to nature, believed to move to remind and protect living beings within it. Through the exhibition, Kami is understood as a symbol of collective movement to care for, grow, and thrive together.
The event also serves as a meeting point for suppliers, distributors and innovators to explore new trends in food, while expanding international market opportunities. The programme includes a tabletop business matching session bringing sellers and buyers together and industry briefings from strategic partners. The national food and beverage industry continues to attract international business players as Asia’s Southeast Asian food market grows.