Art

In the local art scene, Rifky “Goro” Effendy is a name to be reckoned with. The 49-year-old curator has played an essential role in many prestigious art exhibitions. In late 2001, he established and directed the 1st Bandung Biennale, and in 2004 became a fellow of the New York-based Asia Cultural Council (ACC). In 2009,

West Side Story, one of the most beloved and popular musicals of all time, is coming to Jakarta from 12 to 14 May, presented by the Jakarta Performing Arts Community (JPAC). When the musical West Side Story premiered on Broadway in midtown Manhattan, New York City in September 1957, both audience and critics were swept

Artistic inspiration can come from many different sources. British painter Siobhan King, the wife of Belgium’s Ambassador to Indonesia, says that her life as a global nomad has had an immense influence on her artistic oeuvre, which ranges from abstraction to realism. “For me, art is where it all began,” Siobhan says. “I’ve been painting

My first approach to Indonesian Literature in translation came unexpectedly through the Italian book club in Jakarta where we read the book Pulang  (Home) by Indonesian female author, Leila S. Chudori. I read the book, I met Leila Chudori personally and after this unforgettable initiation, I joined the Indonesian Literature in Translation Study Group of

Pullman Jakarta Central Park has transformed its stylish private room Bunk Lobby Lounge into the “Pullman Jakarta Central Park Artist Playground”, which will continuously present works by a variety of artists of different disciplines, from painters and sculptors to videographers, photographers, illustrators and graphic designers. The “Artist Playground” programme is a new initiative with the aim

Ever since emails and instant messaging through smartphones have become our main tools for communication, handwriting has become less and less important, let alone good penmanship. Unfazed by this development, Veronica Halim has happily explored modern calligraphy and now shares her passion with others through workshops and her recently published book “Calligraphy Styling”. With a

Most map collectors start out by filling a blank wall at their home or office,and as their knowledge and interest grows, move on to collecting in earnest. The team behind Bartele Gallery, which is situated on the 2nd floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is happy to introduce you to the fascinating world of antique treasure maps, prints

Once upon a morning in 1975, Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin arrived at Jakarta’s pavilion at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which was going to be officiated by President Soeharto later that afternoon. Several paintings had been installed there as part of an exhibition held in conjunction with the event. The governor arrived early that day to

Engaging in artistic activities, such as painting, drawing or sculpting has been found effective to prevent memory loss as well as maintain cognitive health, according to a 2015 study published in Neurology, a medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. That article had always been an afterthought to me, until I met Didier Hamel-

I was recently approached by a very gentle and charming lady in Bali airport. “Excuse Me”, she said “are you Alistair Speirs”? “Yes” I answered, having no idea who she was but wanting to be polite! It turned out she was an artist called Nita Nursita, and her story was quite intriguing! It seems she

The global arts initiative Micro Galleries reclaims disused and forgotten spaces to transform them into small galleries with the help of international and local artists, to be enjoyed by the communities. This October, Micro Galleries will make its way to Jakarta. Micro Galleries, blurring the line between street art and fine art, wants to make

Perhaps the most striking painting of an Indonesian subject is Rudolf Bonnet’s depiction of the preparation of a Balinese Dance from the collection of President Soekarno. The majestic central figure stands tall with his golden headdress already placed on his head, while a brightly colored cloth is being prepared to be wrapped over the white