Collaboration between DKV ITB and Bumilangit Presents the Exhibition “Heroism in Picture Stories,” Introducing Legendary Characters to the Younger Generation

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – The Visual Communication Design Undergraduate Program of the Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology (DKV FSRD ITB), in collaboration with Bumilangit, held an exhibition titled “Heroism in Picture Stories.” The event took place from Wednesday to Friday, June 19-21, 2024, at the Soemardja Gallery, ITB Ganesha Campus, Bandung.

This exhibition was part of the final semester exam (UAS) for the Applied DKV course and served as an initial step in the collaboration between education and industry. The exhibition opening was held on Wednesday (June 19, 2024) at the Soemardja Gallery. This event was also part of the celebration of 21 Years of Bumilangit.

The event opened with a live drawing session by senior Indonesian comic artist Mansyur Daman. In addition, the exhibition showcased works from Gerdi WK, Rio Purbaya, Andy Wijaya, Erwin Prima Arya, Fajar Sungging, Iwan Nazif, Iput Ukra, and 123 students from DKV FSRD ITB.

Hafiz Aziz Ahmad, S.Sn., M.Des., Ph.D., a lecturer at DKV ITB, said the exhibition was also a creative project for students to reinterpret legendary Indonesian characters from the Bumilangit universe. “The characters from Bumilangit can be said to be legendary figures in Indonesia. For example, Si Buta dari Goa Hantu, Gundala, Godam, Mandala, and others. So, we also aim to reintroduce these characters to the younger generation in a creative and contemporary way,” he said.

According to him, the superhero characters from Bumilangit are an important part of Indonesian culture and history. Therefore, this exhibition can serve as an effort to preserve Indonesia’s history in a creative and modern manner.

There were 41 works from 123 students of the 2022 DKV ITB cohort exhibited during the event. “Students were able to use various media and techniques to produce innovative and engaging works,” he added. Before creating their works, students also participated in a workshop to better understand and deepen their knowledge of the Bumilangit characters.

Meanwhile, Bumilangit’s Deputy Head of Creative, Oyasumi, said this event was a concrete example of collaboration between education and industry.

“This is the initial step for cooperation between the education world and the industry. We prioritize collaboration for now, and at the same time train students that collaboration is important in the industry. Chemistry between personnel is also needed,” he said. The students’ works displayed at the exhibition will also be featured in the upcoming Bumilangit exhibition scheduled for August 2024.

It is hoped that this exhibition will showcase young people’s interpretations of the Bumilangit characters. Bumilangit will continue to innovate and adapt to the times to present interesting superhero stories that also deliver positive moral messages to the youth.