Art and the Environment
Permanent museum in Bali with US-born Japanese artist transcends the existing framework of traveling art exhibitions.
May 31, 2024
Surrounded by World Heritage sites, the Tanah Lot Temple, and in proximity to Canggu area, the Eugene Museum in Bali with Eugene Kangawa/ Eugene Studio (Eugene), is set to open in early 2026.
The architectural design of the museum will be led by the renowned Indonesian architect, Andra Matin, who won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2023. This permanent museum with Eugene’s works, is part of 44 ha city in Tabanan, Bali, aiming to integrate lifestyle, art, education, and environmental consciousness enveloped by lush ocean and forest landscapes, will span over 1 hectare with 3,000 square meters of construction.
Eugene Kangawa (1989-) is a Japanese contemporary artist known for his sophisticated and astounding approach in paintings, large scale installations, and numerous projects aimed at children and social initiatives. His early activities were profiled in a 2017 book by Daisuke Miyatsu, published by Kobunsha Shinsho, where he was highlighted as one of the four leading Japanese artists, along with teamLab and others.
Eugene is particularly well known for his solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, one of the most prestigious contemporary art museums in Japan, where he set a record as the youngest ever artist to hold a solo exhibition at the museum. The exhibition became a social phenomenon, drawing record long queues.
Maintaining its global momentum and supported by a diverse range of communities and collectors from Indonesia and beyond who consider Eugene as a new generation artist from Asia, the plan to establish Eugene Museum as a permanent facility has been made. This marks a significant departure from the traditional framework of traveling exhibitions.
This permanent museum in Bali, established through diverse connections and encounters, represents a new form of museum emerging from Asia, showcasing innovative collaborative initiatives. Bali is considered the epicenter of Asia, not only for its geographical location on the equator, positioned at the center of the world, but also due its unique blend of rich traditional culture and lush natural environment. This uniqueness attracts a wide variety of people from around the globe, making it one of the most borderless places in Asia in terms of nationality. All these elements align seamlessly with Eugene’s theme of symbiosis.
Those who resonate with the museum concept are expected to join this new initiative from Asia and beyond as the plan progresses. One of the initial collaborations is with Andra, who interpreted museum concept by Eugene and integrated it beautifully with the traditional philosophies of ancient Balinese villages. The architecture and landscape are being designed with minimal disruption to the existing natural environment on the site.
Plans also include a library, post-closing Stay Programs, and a café in the entrance space. The museum will feature approximately 15+ permanent installations, including his signature works “Sea Garden,” “Goldrain,” and “Everything Shines,” aligning with Eugene’s long standing theme of symbiosis.
In conjunction with this project, a preparatory room for the art museum was established last year in Jakarta. Housed within the same building as the headquarters of ArtJakarta, this preparatory room is dedicated to serve as an experimental facility for the museum, placing mini scale models and small artworks.
The museum will span over 1 hectare with a planned construction area of approximately 3,000 square meters. It is scheduled for a soft launch to nearby residents in 2025, with full public access expected in 2026.
The area is dedicated to environmental conservation and a range of community-based programs. Landscape guidelines have been instituted by preserving the green space. This comprehensive initiative encompasses the protection of local butterfly species, the operation of a recycling lab, the introduction of electric buggies, and the implementation of a program for the preservation of local dogs. Anchored in harmony with education, art, and the environment, various facilities are currently under construction in Nuanu city.
Beyond its role as a permanent art institution, the museum is poised to actively engage in social initiatives, including workshops in collaboration with neighboring educational institutions and the local community. This initiative envisions the museum as a hub for social engagement, catering to individuals across age groups, from children to adults.
The architectural design of the museum will be led by Andra Matin, a renowned architect representing Indonesia, known for his work in residential, airport, and educational facility designs. Through collaboration with Eugene, Matin aims to turn the entire landscape and facility space into a captivating masterpiece. The design, centered around Eugene’s theme of symbiosis, incorporates abundant natural light.
As integral part of the city development, a community and social contribution program is being implemented in collaboration with various facilities. In conjunction with this initiative, the Eugene Social Program will be established. The program seeks to collaborate with the local community and nearby educational institutions, organizing workshops and local mini-colleges that will invite participants from Asia. This program will involve a diverse group of individuals, including art professionals and entrepreneurs
The place can be visited on a pre-reservation basis. Simultaneously, as part of the ongoing program at the atelier in Japan (EUGENE STUDIO/Atelier iii) since last year, a portion of the spacious area of approximately 700 square meters, is open to the public. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring “Gold rain,” take part in new evening programs, and observe the display of new artworks and work models, including those for Eugene Museum.
Eugene Museum teaser website: https://eugene-museum.com/
Eugene Studio website: https://the-eugene-studio.com/
Eugene Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugene_studio_official
