Exhibit explores developments in esthetics

Exhibit explores developments in esthetics

Chisato Hara, The Jakarta Post, Bandung

Traveling along the new stretch of toll road connecting the
capital to its sister city, Bandung, a panorama of rolling hills,
cassava plantations and small kampong nestled in green valleys
unfolded before the eyes, set against muted peaks beyond the haze
-- an apt path to take for a visit to Badung di Bandung, an
exhibition of contemporary artist group 12 pas being held at The
Peak Resort Dining until Nov. 28.

While road construction is nothing to marvel over in itself,
this particular execution of civil engineering indicates a
different development: the inclusion of esthetic sensitivity in
its design.

Aesthetic value in composition is also the binding element
among the various pieces featured in Badung di Bandung, or
Naughty in Bandung, which range from the more traditional ink,
watercolor, acrylic and oil paints, to graphic arts and digital
painting.

"I wanted to introduce the lesser-known but highly talented
artists who are making a mark on Indonesia's arts scene outside
the mainstream," said The Peak chairman Eddy Sugiri, who trained
in architectural design at a German institute.

Standing about 1,240 meters above sea-level atop a hill, The
Peak itself, designed by Eddy, is a composition in aesthetics.

Combining organic and inorganic materials against the natural
landscape of Parongpong, just outside the city, the venue
complements the work of 12 pas, which has a mission to contribute
to the country's arts development and to raise public
appreciation for the arts.

The 12 members of the group all come from artistic
professions, such as architecture, graphic design, product design
and animation, and their combined experiences make for an exhibit
that offers both introspection and social commentary, classical
and contemporary technique, esthetic elements of both fine and
commercial arts, as well as themes that range from the natural to
the physical, and from the abstract to the metaphysical.

Badung di Bandung, with its play on words and tongue-in-cheek
self-representation, is a panoramic view on not only the
potential, but also of the explosive development in esthetic
composition and interpretation among "indie" contemporary
artists.

The Peak Resort Dining, Jl. Desa Karyawangi Ciwaruga KM 6,8
No. 388, Parongpong, Bandung. Tel (022) 2700759, 2785429; Fax
(022) 2785429. www.thepeakresortdining.com For more information,
contact Fanny at The Peak, at (022) 70815500 or 08156068000.