You can feel the feel of Jakarta from the 70s when you explore the Betawi Art Exhibition showroom at the Art Gallery of Gedung Panjang on the 2nd Floor, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Jakarta Art Center.

I started painting Betawi themes in 1978 for almost 4 decades

In this room, there are 21 paintings by Sarnadi Adam that show the life of Jakarta four decades ago, from its coastal areas, villages, and outskirts.

This Jakarta native artist, born on August 27, 1956, has been pouring his childhood experiences thick with Betawi culture through brush strokes on canvas, since 1978.

"I started painting Betawi themes in 1978 for almost 4 decades. These paintings were indeed inspired when I was a child to a teenager," he expressed, Sunday (6/19).

He does not deny that Jakarta is very different from the old days when he was still a child. However, artworks must go hand in hand to accompany the city's progress.

"People will remember what Jakarta was like before today through art, that's what I want to convey to the public through the works I create," he explained.

Like an artist, in every stroke of art, he has characteristics that can be distinguished from other works of painting.

"I have characteristics in terms of color composition and the shape of my paintings are already different, even ordinary people certainly know the difference," he explained .

He also opens the door wide for collectors or art connoisseurs who want to buy his collection in this exhibition. According to him, artists live from their art.

"We want to play an active role in beautifying Jakarta with artistic values that soften the soul," he added.

As for the information, Sarnadi Adam's paintings can be enjoyed in the Betawi Art Exhibition TIM showroom until June 30, from 10 AM to 9 PM.