KiN Space x Eko Nugroho: Touch the Future
How does the future look? How do you see the future?
There is never a wrong answer when it comes to envisioning the future—these questions are, after all, exercises in imagination. Some ground their visions in realism, leaning into the tangible world of “data” and “facts.” Others depict a bleak horizon, while glimpses of optimism are rarer. Yet one idea consistently threads through these perspectives: the future is always ours to shape. In collaboration with KiN Space, Eko Nugroho embarks on a creative journey titled Save the Future—a quest into what lies ahead.
Describing the collaboration as a “KiNstallation,” Kinspace and Nugroho reimagine the venue, transforming it from an interactive art playground into a futuristic, immersive installation. Save the Future envisions KiN Space as a canvas that brings Nugroho’s vision of tomorrow to life. Known for his layered compositions bursting with colour and texture, Nugroho blends in playful iconographies associated with speculative futures—such as UFOs and hybrid beings. Yet what truly sets his imagery apart is the consistent reference to nature: tentacle-shaped swings, and vivid illustrations of flowers and roots scattered within the Cosmic Dome.
In an interview, Nugroho shared that the core intention behind Save the Future is to cultivate environmental awareness in children. The fusion of nature and technology communicates to young visitors that the future is not far away—it’s something they can influence. Perhaps it underscores the necessity of making room for nature in our technological evolution. Or perhaps it reflects the growing entwinement of technology in our daily lives, to the point that it becomes a kind of second nature. Either way, the installation offers an organic, visual commentary on Nugroho’s reflections about life and the future. “The installation’s idea was as if all my thoughts, imaginations and reflections (about the future) came to life. It is rooted in my childhood fantasies and dreams,” he explained.
“Actually, creating an installation has been my long-time ambition. Since my youth, I’ve always envisioned a playroom that brings to life the visuals, activities and messages that I’ve carried (in my head),” he continued. For Nugroho, this project is the realisation of a childhood dream, and this intent is evident in how he treats the space. He reinterprets his universe of work for a child-friendly environment—turning illustrations into slides, creating characters like Big Robot, and transforming them into plushies that children can roll, carry, or pin to the walls. His childhood aspirations lend a sense of whimsy and intimacy, making it clear that this is a space where children are not passive spectators, but active participants in his world.
Ultimately, Save the Future underscores the importance of play in expanding our imagination. Nugroho provides a refreshing counterpoint to the often bleak discourse surrounding the future, injecting it with lightness, colour, and a sense of wonder. Through this installation, he rekindles hope—and a bit of excitement—for what tomorrow might bring.
Save the Future: A KiNstallation by Eko Nugroho is open to the public from 27 June to October 2025 at KiN Space, SCBD Park Lot 7A, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
