On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the opening ceremony of the exhibition entitled Re.uni(que): Menganyam Pesona, Merajut Perjumpaan, was held at the UGM Postgraduate School Building, organised by the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The exhibition was held as part of Syawalan Seni, a celebration commemorating 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic journey and the 34th anniversary of the PSPSR Program.
The welcome speech from Dr Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum, opened the session by appreciating alumni from outside the city and across the continent who made it to the exhibition. She also appreciated the alumni and students who produced the artwork and managed the exhibition. The curator, Dr Nadiyah Tunnikmah, M.A., delivered her welcome speech after Dr Rr Paramitha. One of her remarks that drew attention was the claim that the exhibition is a performance, which emerged from an event inspired by Pak Lono Simatupang, who was also celebrated at the Syawalan Seni event for his contributions to PSPSR during his years of service. Dr Nadiyah also stated that everyone present would understand the meaning that arises from the interaction between the exhibited works and the viewers, emphasising that this exhibition session uniquely serves as a meeting space between time and souls. “The presence of these artworks within this space represents a collaboration among participants from various generations—lecturers, alumni, and students. We are re-knitting this space as a meeting point that continues to evolve together,” Dr Nadiyah articulated during her opening remarks. The next part of the event was the opening speech at the exhibition and alumni meeting, delivered by Prof. Dr Widyanto Dwi Nugroho S. Hut, M.Agr., the Vice Dean of Academics and Student Affairs at UGM Graduate School, who expressed his appreciation for the implementation of this Syawalan Seni programme.
The concept highlighted in this exhibition is consistent with what the curator stated in her speech earlier. There is a strong warmth between the work, its creator, and its audience. The work is not only from the lecturers but also from the students and alumni. This combination and concept are excellent for establishing a continuous positive relationship. It also coincides with the SDG 4 (Quality Education), where the feedback given by alumni and guests can impact students, lecturers, and the PSPSR programme itself so that it can continue to progress in line with the development of the latest educational needs. Furthermore, the objective, as proposed by Quality Education, is to promote lifelong education. This goal can be accomplished through a collaborative approach that involves students, alumni, lecturers, and PSPSR individuals, enabling the continuous enhancement of quality education through the feedback and sharing that occurs during the exhibition.
The linked exhibition programme at this Syawalan Seni event must be continued because it significantly inspired PSPSR students and gave alumni a new platform to learn about the latest advances and the quality of work and education in the PSPSR programme. Hopefully, in the future, exhibitions like this can gather the work of students, alumni, and lecturers who inspire everyone and showcase the quality of skills and the education outcome. (HA)
