How we experience a work of art is often determined by the space in which it is placed. A sculpture can create a different impression when placed in a quiet gallery, an open public space, or inside a home. It's from this idea that... Alaya Kala Through interdisciplinary collaboration, this exhibition brings together sculpture, interior design, and cultural heritage in a unified experience.
Entering the exhibition area, what is presented is more than just a row of sculptures on pedestals. Every element is designed to connect with each other. Sculptures, furniture, plants, the play of light, and even architectural details all build a common narrative, creating an atmosphere that invites visitors to interact with the art more closely. Rather than simply being spectators, they are invited to experience how each element complements the other to form a cohesive experience.
The exhibition, which took place at the Melting Pot GF, Ashta District 8, from July 3 to 26, 2026, brought together the works of sculptors Adi Gunawan with SANKHARA Art, Quatro Design Studio, Theory of Living, and POLA Studio. Each comes from a different discipline, but is united by a common idea: to create a space that can hold a story.
In Sanskrit, alaya means shelter, while kala means time. When the two are put together, Alaya Kala becomes a metaphor for a space that holds journeys, traces, and memories. A home for memories that continue to grow over time.
This meaning resonates with Adi Gunawan's artistic journey. Born and raised in Yogyakarta, his works have largely been inspired by personal experiences, interpersonal relationships, and cultural values that shape how one views the world. However, in Alaya KalaThese cultural roots are not translated through explicit symbols. Instead, they are present more subtly through the experience of space.
The Joglo house became one of the primary inspirations. It wasn't because of its form that was intended to be replicated, but rather because of the values it embodies. In Javanese tradition, a home is not just a building, but a place to gather, share stories, and build relationships. It serves as a space that holds memories across generations. This is what was then translated into a more contemporary design language.
The process of translating the idea is entrusted to Quatro Design StudioRather than constructing an exhibition space that resembles a Joglo house, they chose to cultivate its essence. Warmth, openness, and a sense of community are embodied through the interpretation of elements such as the four pillars, traditional weaving, the rhythm of the space, and the play of light that guides visitors from one work to the next. The result is not a replica of the past, but a new space that retains traces of its origins.
Behind this whole experience, SANKHARA Art act as a link between the work, the artist, and the space. For them, the journey of an artwork doesn't end when it leaves the studio. In fact, that's where its story begins. A work will continue to find new meaning every time it encounters a different space, changing light, or people who come bringing their own life experiences. This philosophy is encapsulated in the spirit of Crafting Art, Curating Spaces which is the foundation Alaya Kala.
The narrative of space is then enriched by the presence Theory of LivingThe furniture presented is not positioned as an interior complement, but as part of the story. Like Adi Gunawan's works, which can exist in various contexts without losing their identity, the Theory of Living collection is also designed to coexist with the space and its inhabitants. The meeting of the two creates a dialogue that feels natural, as if art and furniture were destined from the beginning to share the same space.
Meanwhile, POLA Studio presents another equally important dimension: the relationship between space and nature. Just as traditional Javanese homes are always closely connected to the surrounding plants, the floral and botanical elements curated by POLA Studio soften the boundary between interior and nature. Their presence breathes life into the space while creating a more vibrant, serene, and intimate atmosphere.
Alaya Kala is not just an exhibition showcasing artworks. It offers a way to understand how a space can shape experience, how design can translate memories, and how art can feel so close to everyday life. When you leave this exhibition, you'll be left with not only memories of Adi Gunawan's sculptures, but also the experience of having been in a space that tells a story.
