JAKARTA – The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) recently honored Indonesian creativity. The organization named Balinese artist Citra Sasmita the winner of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize 2026. Officials presented this prestigious award during a gala dinner and charity auction at the M+ Museum in Hong Kong on May 15.
Citra earned the top prize as the first Indonesian artist in the history of this competition. This annual event attracts the most talented creators from the entire Asia-Pacific region. Judges selected her work from a group of 30 outstanding finalists.
She created a painting titled Poetry of the Fountain. She used the traditional Kamasan technique, which features intricate patterns and beads. Furthermore, she combined this style with diverse Balinese textiles to bridge the gap between history and the present. Her art proves that ancestral traditions remain vibrant and relevant in our modern world. In addition, the piece explores deep connections between ceremonial practices, rituals, and the feminine perspective.
The artist expressed great joy regarding her victory. She thanked the nominators who recommended her work and supported her artistic journey for years. Citra explained that her previous submissions helped her refine her ideas. Consequently, she now aims to spark a global conversation about returning to one’s cultural roots. She believes this connection provides a vital foundation for every artist.
Finally, Citra dedicated this achievement to fellow women artists who struggle to express their inner voices. She encourages them to continue their fight for humanity and the timeless spirit of art.
Since 2016, Indonesian artists frequently appear on the list of finalists. This year, Citra shared this honor with fellow Bali-based artists Sinta Tantra and Filippo Sciascia. While past Indonesian winners received the public vote award, she secured the prestigious Main Prize after a rigorous selection process. A panel of renowned experts, including Ozge Ersoy and David Elliot, chose her work as the best of the year. This victory marks a significant breakthrough for Indonesia in the international art scene
As reported by Tia Agnes Astuti of detik.com/ Photo doc. The Soverign Art Foundation
