When Guruh Gipsy’s Musical Legacy Meets Visual Art

At the beginning of October, Jakarta Illustration & Creative Arts Fair (JICAF) 2026 presented Special Drop Tribute: Guruh Gipsy, a special moment for music enthusiasts. JICAF visitors had the opportunity to purchase collaborative products that revisit Guruh Gipsy’s creative legacy, as well as meet and receive autographs from two of the group’s legendary members, Keenan Nasution and Abadi Soesman.

In collaboration with Lamunai Records and several visual artists, Special Drop Tribute: Guruh Gipsy translates the group’s musical journey into a range of mediums, from jewelry, apparel, and art prints to the 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition CD. Among the featured products was the Guruh Gipsy x Cahya Pesisir Batik Scarf, bringing the group’s musical heritage into dialogue with fashion and craft.

Released in 1977, Guruh Gipsy remains a significant work in the history of Indonesian music, bringing together modern sounds and the richness of Indonesia’s traditional musical heritage, particularly that of Bali. This collaboration is part of JICAF 2026’s effort to commemorate the creative legacy of the late Guruh Soekarnoputra alongside the members of Guruh Gipsy, while introducing their work to a new generation through visual interpretations and collectible products.

For Keenan Nasution, seeing illustrators pay tribute to Guruh Gipsy’s work was a source of pride. “Receiving appreciation from illustrators certainly makes me proud. It turns out that songs once considered ‘rebellious’ can become a source of inspiration and be transformed into works of art.”

Keenan also hopes the collaboration will open up opportunities for creative exploration rooted in Indonesian identity. “I hope that through this collaboration, we can create something that does not always look to the West for inspiration. Indonesia has so much that can be explored and turned into creative works. I believe no work is entirely original, because we have all encountered something that later inspires us. But being inspired does not mean copying. We can reinterpret those influences in our own style, allowing the work we create to retain our own identity.”

Abadi Soesman likewise expressed his pride that the work he created with Guruh Gipsy continues to receive recognition. “I feel proud that our work is still appreciated to this day. It is especially meaningful to see younger generations appreciate the work we made in our time, when so many of our contemporaries are no longer with us.”

The presence of Keenan Nasution and Abadi Soesman at this Special Drop offered visitors the opportunity to meet two musicians who were part of Guruh Gipsy’s journey firsthand, while taking home collaborative products with both historical and artistic significance.

Through Special Drop Tribute: Guruh Gipsy, JICAF 2026 demonstrates how music can continue to live on and find new interpretations across creative disciplines.