GALERI FOTOGRAFI “MATANESIA” DI SURABAYA

Photography grown tremendously in the last five years, especially in big cities such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. It shows by the increasing number of photography enthusiasts, photography equipment selection, photography community, and the use of photographic media. Unfortunately, means of photography in Surabaya is still minimal (Fotomedia, 2002) especially for photos showroom. There has not been any a facility or forum that is dedicated to photography in Surabaya, only limited use another tool that is not representative. One of the communities which affected by the lack of means of photography is Matanesia (photography community Surabaya). According to its existence in the world of photography (especially journalism), forum as a media services and appreciation of their work are needed. Matanesia Gallery is the first gallery in Surabaya that provides services, events, exhibitions, and informal training to public. It has a mini museum with elegant and aesthetic design, and provides information about the world of photography. By using ‘picture of life’ theme, it aims to provide information for public about the reality of life through photographs. The philosophy of Matanesia is creating a correlation between a city park as an environment analysis for design building and an eye. Reflecting the concept of eyes and City Park is visualized through the formation of the building that resembles the shape of the eye. Transparency of buildings also appear as a strength of building design with the intention of showing real object targeted by "Matanesia" in their work. Keywords: Matanesia, Surabaya, Picture of Life, Metaphors, City Park, Eye