Art doesn’t always belong behind gallery walls. Sometimes, it becomes part of the spaces we live in, shaping the way we experience our surroundings. That’s the idea behind Alaya Kala, a collaborative exhibition at ASHTA District 8, which runs from 3–26 July 2026.
Held at Melting Pot, Ground Floor, the exhibition brings together the work of Indonesian sculptor Adi Gunawan, alongside SANKHARA Art, Quatro Design Studio, Theory of Living, and Pola Studio.
Rather than simply displaying artworks, the exhibition creates an immersive environment where sculpture, interior design, and cultural heritage come together in one cohesive space.
Instead, it can become part of everyday life through thoughtfully designed interiors that combine aesthetics with functionality. Visitors are encouraged to experience how a carefully curated environment can influence the way we see, feel, and interact with the spaces around us.
The exhibition takes its name from two Sanskrit words: alaya, meaning shelter, and kala, meaning time. Together, they represent a place that holds journeys, memories, and traces of the past.
Inspired by Adi Gunawan’s cultural roots in Yogyakarta, the exhibition reinterprets traditional Javanese architecture, particularly the Joglo house, through a contemporary design approach.
Throughout the space, Adi’s signature bronze sculptures are integrated into the interior rather than displayed as standalone works. Their playful poses and gentle expressions become part of the room itself, demonstrating how artwork can naturally complement furniture, lighting, and architectural elements.
The exhibition also offers ideas for anyone looking to incorporate art into their own home without making it feel separate from the overall design.
That philosophy is reflected throughout Alaya Kala, where every sculpture becomes part of an evolving conversation between art, space, and its visitors.
From Signature Sculptures to Art Beyond the Gallery
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Adi Gunawan’s distinctive sculptural style, instantly recognisable through his rounded figures with curly hair and expressive personalities.
Speaking during the exhibition, the artist shared how he developed the visual identity that has become synonymous with his work.
Adi explained that the inspiration came from questioning conventional ideas of beauty. At a time when beauty was often associated with being thin, fair-skinned, and straight-haired, he chose to celebrate different body shapes and appearances instead.
Those ideas continue to appear throughout his sculptures, whether depicting people or animals, all carrying the playful characteristic that has become his trademark.
The installation places five contemporary sculptures throughout the public space, encouraging visitors to unexpectedly encounter art as they move through the building.
Alaya Kala programme are open to the public until 26 July 2026 at ASHTA District 8, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a contemporary interpretation of Indonesian culture through sculpture, design, and thoughtfully curated spaces.
