Bandung

  • Bandung,  Indonesia,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Stunning Selasar Sunaryo

    When I set foot at Selasar Sunaryo Art Space located in the green hills of Dago, Bandung, I was stunned. Never had I seen an art space so beautiful. Being there for 3 days to attend a picture book workshop conducted by SCBWI Indonesia and Pak Yusof Gajah, I thought to myself, what a beautiful world. How blessed I am to be in my best health to travel and see parts of the world that I had never been to.

    Selasar Sunaryo

    Selasar Sunaryo Art Space was founded in 1998 by a renowned Bandung-based artist, Drs. Sunaryo; an Indonesian-born artist who built this gallery as a dedication to the Indonesian art world. Born in 1943 and studied fine art at ITB, he graduated in 1969 (the year I was born). Drs. Sunaryo did not limit himself to the use of one particular medium, so he branched out to other fields of expertise as well such as sculpting, installation, and painting. His various works can be seen all around the art space.

    SayTheNameSay The Name, Sunaryo. 1998. Hammered and welded copper plate.

    Model 04Model ’04, Sunaryo. 2004. Bronze on rock.

    Selasar Sunaryo, which was constructed over four years (1993-1997), was a realisation of Drs. Sunaryo dream to contribute to and support the development of Fine Arts in Indonesia.The term “selasar”, which means “verandah”, reflects the design concept, an open space that welcomes all who wish to experience art in its unique setting on the slopes of Dago Hills.

    Selasar Sunaryo consists of Gallery A, Stone Garden, Wing Gallery, Gallery B, Selasar Cafe, Selasar Shop, Amphitheater, Bamboo House, Bale Handap (the place where the workshop was conducted) and Bale Tonggoh.

    Emila-at-Bamboo-HouseMe at the steps of Bale Handap. Seen behind was the Bamboo House.

    Bale Handap

    Bale handap is a multi purpose space used for discussions, performances, events and workshops. The building is inspired by traditional Javenese  architecture with an open terrace. Bale Handap is separated from the major building, located between the Bamboo House on the lowest level of Selasar.

    And last but not least, coffee at Selasar Cafe added to the taste of stunning Selasar Sunaryo. I really enjoyed being here while doing things I love to do.

    Coffee

    If you are going to visit Bandung, Selasar Sunaryo must be on your list.

    Selasar Sunaryo Art Space
    Bukit Pakar Timur No.100
    Bandung – 40198, West Java, Indonesia
    Ph: (+62) 22 250 7939, Fax: (+62) 22 251 6508
    selasar@bdg.centrin.net.id

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  • Bandung,  Indonesia,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Bandung Bliss

    I had never been to Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Heck, I had never been to Indonesia itself. Located some 780 miles south east from Malaysia, it never appealed to me to visit I because it is near; 2-hours flight only and the trip can be done any time when I am free.

    But knowing myself, free time is something that I don’t really have.

    When Pak Yusof and Evi invited me to join them conducting a picture book workshop, I was reluctant at first. I had (still have) a lot of illustrations to work on and going on a trip for 6 days mean that I would delay 3 spread-pages of illustrations.

    “I pay for your tickets”, Pak Yusof said. “You can share my room,” Evi said. What else could I say other than YES?

    So off we went to Bandung last April. We stayed at Rumah Kiboku in Upper Dago – Cigadung, Bandung; not far from Bukit Pakar Timur where the workshop was conducted.

    rumah kiboku

    The trip to Rumah Kiboku seemed endless as the road condition was not at its best. “It has always been like this, Emila. The road condition in Bandung is quite poor.” Evi said.

    “No problem, Evi. This bumpy ride might be the solution of getting rid of my fat. I am thinking of moving here permanently,” I replied cheekily. And we laughed. Evi knows my yoyo struggle with weight.

    From inside the ride, I could see breathtaking view of houses in the valley of Upper Dago. First thing I did after settling my things in the room was to capture the breathtaking view with my DSLR.

    upperdago4Reminds me of Tuscany.

    houses-at-upper-dagoHouses in Upper Dago.

    And that was pretty much of the flavour for the next hour, and the hours that followed, and the 3 days after that stying at Upper Dago. I did not have the chance to really explore the area because from morning until 5pm, I was at the workshop, which was conducted at Selasar Sunaryo Art Space (will write about this in another posting). After 5pm, Evi and friends would take me for dinner and then the night came. But I never grew bored. Being away from the busy KL was really something that I needed.

    dago-at-nightNight view in Upper Dago.

    The upper Dago area has many old Dutch villas and wider boulevards with tall trees lining the streets. The famous Dago Tea House, built during the Dutch colonial times, is located here. The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) is located just west of the upper Dago area, and neighbors the Bandung Zoo.

    After wrapping up the workshop on 4th day, we moved to stay at Ivory Hotel in Citarum, Bandung on the 5th day. We used the free time to roam around Bandung; thanks to Sofie Dewiyani who took us around town with her 4WD. Being a woman who is 2 times smaller than me, Sofie is a really a kickass 4WD driver. Together packed in the 4WD besides Sofie, Evi, Pak Yusof and me, there were Evelyn, Lyly, Jenny, Ari and Eva.

    IvoryhotelSofie and her 4WD in front of Ivory Hotel.

    bebekgarangWe had lunch at Bebek Garang & Friends.

    So yeah, I set foot in Indonesia! And the bumpy ride actually adds to the bliss of being in Bandung.