Art

In January 1976, during the inauguration of Basoeki Abdullah’s exhibition of paintings at the Hotel Borobudur by Madame Tien Soeharto, Indonesia’s first lady at the time, the painter called for the attention of the government to propose the creation of a national museum of art. “He suggested that the building of the Ministry of Finance

Many people keep holding on to things with a sentimental value as they remind them of a happy (or difficult) time in their life, of a special person, or a certain event. While yearbooks, letters and photographs are among the more common things to keep as memento, curator Ika Vantiani has asked Jakartans to submit

Jakarta’s glossy high-rise buildings are a reflection of the city’s modernity and power. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that skyscrapers are the source of inspiration that provoke ideas and dreams for many people. This month, we invited NOW! Jakarta’s readers to capture their favourite skyscraper moment in Jakarta through our Photo Competition. Here

The vast oceans of Indonesia contain a lot of marine resources – among others sea pearls, which have high economic value. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, when it comes to South Sea Pearls, Indonesia is on top of the list as a producer in the world’s pearl market. But unfortunately,

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