The First Metaverse Journalistic Photo Exhibition in Malang, Indonesia is a Success

Tugumalang.id – No Mind Indonesian Meta Gallery in partnership with Pewarta Foto Indonesia (PFI) Malang and Tugu Media Group has successfully organized the First Metaverse Journalistic Photo Exhibition in Indonesia on Tuesday (12/4/2022).

The exhibition was held at the Tugu Media Group Office, on Jalan Dirgantara A1/12B, Lesanpuro Sub-district, Kedungkandang District, Malang City, East Java. It was also supported by Negri Jenaka, Token UMKM, Kopi Sontoloyo, Midnight in Velo dan Uplift.World.

In the present day, photo exhibitions within the metaverse world are still a novelty out of the ordinary. At the exhibition, 25 photographs by Indonesian journalists were presented in a virtual gallery display case called No Mind Indonesian Meta Gallery, not on the walls as usual.

In this exhibition, visitors were invited to take a leisure walk to the gallery of the metaverse world which has an identical resemblance to the real world. Through the eyes of the avatars, we could see a virtual world with sceneries of the sky, mountains, sea, desert, and various new buildings.

It was like stepping out onto a new universe with a unique civilization. In fact, to view the gallery across the sea, visitors have to build a boat. In that setting, the avatars must row the boat while waiting for the gallery to open in the morning.

After it opened, we could look around to see each corner of the two-story gallery and the works of journalists. Not limited to that, visitors were able to interact with other avatars including buying the presented works in the form of the NFT (Non-Fungible Token).

“Afterward, we will embellish the place to be capable of video exhibition, music concerts even constructing a cinema. In fact, Tugu Media Group can also establish an office there.” said the founder of the No Mind Gallery, Lutfi Pratomo, unfolding the story of the gallery that he created 3 months ago.

This peculiar exhibition is, of course, still a groundbreaking occasion. The amazed, astonishing look with question marks filled the faces of visitors. As stated by Johardi (25) from the Averroes Community, who experienced the thrill of metaverse for the first time.

“It feels like walking on clouds, but I began to understand after coming to this exhibition. The current development of technology is indeed remarkable. When I get home, I want to probe more on the matter. If possible, I also want to build an MSME Mall or coffee shop,” he commented.

It is hoped that these creative insights and inspirations can be evoked through this exhibition under the theme ‘Against The Pandemic’. The teaching of adaptive tendency to deal with an era of continuous change. The exact quality that Tugu Media Group expresses, a media company in charge of tugumalang.id and tugujatim.id.

Tugu Media Group CEO, Irham Thoriq believes that in the present era of fast-moving digital disruptions, society ought to prepare itself to be adaptable. Blockchain technology, NFT to Cryptocurrency are now considered valuable digital assets.

As a media that embraces the tagline Merawat Malang Raya dan Jawa Timur, the educational spirit to be versatile with the era of change should be empowered. This includes making the most of blockchain technology and metaverse as a new space for creativity.

“It is safe to say that this exhibition is a historical moment by the strength of being the first journalistic photo exhibition from Indonesia in the metaverse, from Malang City and Tugu Media Group,” he stated.

Five photographers are part of this exhibition. They are Bayu Novanta/@bayunovanta (Tugu Jatim), Darmono/@jejakmomon (PFI Malang), Feri Latif/@feri_latif (a Contributor of National Geographic Indonesia), Falahi Mubarok/@falahimubarok (Mongabay), Agoes Rudianto/@agoesrudianto (a Freelance Photographer).

“I hope this exhibition can be a starting point of inspiration for Tugu Media Group’s readers to set out while facing a world of a myriad of challenges and changes,” he added.

Metaverse, a New Stage for Artists and Creators Beyond the Bounds

Be noted that, in addition to being placed in the virtual metaverse display case, every single photographic work is converted as NFT and can be traded as a digital asset that has economic value thereby protected by copyright.

“Meaning, the metaverse is an alternative space or a new stage for artists or creators to explore without restrictions, as much the real world,” said Galang Ekajati, an activist of the metaverse community from Negeri Jenaka.

Restrictions, according to the man familiarly known as Petruk, are the source of economic destruction, in this case, the pandemic. Yet, no, Petruk argued, because the world is constantly in motion

“Metaverse is the prime example and this exhibition gallery is the proof. If the pandemic restricts you, there is a metaverse world that can be your stage,” declared Petruk.

As long as this constructive activity in the metaverse continues to happen, then it bounds to be a new stage for journalistic photographers. Momon Darmono, the Head of PFI Malang agrees with this statement.

Furthermore, Momon said, the utilization of this metaverse space could be another promising economic opportunity due to the international market exposure.

Moreover, the originality of the creators’ work is secured and it subsides the likelihood of art theft. Despite the fact that the works are traded in the global arena, the authenticity remains intact. Also, creators can keep tabs on the whereabouts of their work and earn royalties from each successful transaction.

In addition, metaverse users gain economic value through this. Each may purchase and manage land to build anything, for instance, the MSME Malls. Since they can receive coins in the WAX currency as a reward for every kind of activity.

On top of that, this Metaverse Journalistic Photo Exhibition intends to actuate the people in not only acknowledging digital literacy but also being adaptive to fit in the increasingly sophisticated digital age.

“I trust that this First Journalistic Photo Exhibition on Metaverse develops into guidance for knowledge and experience, so there will be no error in utilizing it,” hoped Momon.