COLLECTION 101 UBUD: Repatriating Indonesian Heritage
Many unique aspects of Indonesia’s cultural heritage remain relatively unknown to its citizens. Gaps in knowledge derived from archaeological research, translated into curated exhibitions of museum collections, conceal a myriad of historical accounts that distinguish Indonesia internationally. Since the beginning of the 1950s, countless exceptional Indonesian artworks and artefacts have left the country, finding homes
The Spice Islands of Indonesia: A Brief History Told Through Old Maps
Spices have been a cornerstone of global commerce for thousands of years, shaping the course of human history. From ancient societies to contemporary economies, spices have been instrumental in shaping diverse cultures and culinary traditions worldwide. The Allure of Spices: Why These Maps Exist From ancient times, aromatic plant products have been highly prized for
ARTJOG Contemporary Art Festival Headlines Jogja Art Weeks 2024
Indonesian art’s annual celebration of creativity, Jogja Art Weeks (JAW), conducted throughout Yogyakarta’s Special Regency and north into Magelang, is a unique and exciting meeting point for Indonesian artists and national and international art lovers. The four-month program of events, which has distinguished Yogyakarta on the global art event calendar, is characterised by the diversity
IVAA: Safeguarding the Nation’s Artistic Heritage for Future Generations
Indonesia boasts a unique visual art heritage that distinguishes the nation globally and within Southeast Asia. However, a significant obstacle to preserving this rich heritage is the need for more public awareness about the importance of art and cultural development in Indonesian society. Indonesian Visual Art Archive (IVAA) in Yogyakarta is dedicated to the artistic
Fallen Angels: Indonesia’s Birds of Paradise
The bird of paradise, Cendrawasih in Bahasa Indonesia, holds a special place as a symbol of New Guinea and Indonesia, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat on the second largest island in the world. However, for centuries, these birds remained as mysterious as the prized spices
The Origin of Wayang Kristal
The art of wayang – flat leather puppetry – is closely related to Javane theater. Its characters tells stories usually derived from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, but nowadays, new variations are emerging. Some puppeteers use their own storylines, others invent new forms with new materials. One of them is Pak Sardi, who makes puppets
Gudskul: Jakarta’s Evolving Art Ecosystem Nurtures a Thriving Creative Community
Jakarta is a fusion of rich ethnic diversity from across the archipelago, merging local Indonesian distinctions with international cultures and ideas. At the grassroots levels, there is a flourishing creative community, with abundant human potential, a dynamic and evolving infrastructure, and increasingly diverse opportunities. A healthy art and creative scene is essential to any modern megacity
ART JAKARTA GARDENS: Art Fair Highlights 3D Works in Lush Open-Air Surroundings
Art Jakarta Gardens, held 23-28 April 2024 amidst the lush greenery at Hutan Kota by Plataran in Semanggi, Jakarta, is a new model of art fair devised in 2022 as a response to the pandemic introducing an exciting and unique format to Southeast Asian art. Art Jakarta Gardens balanced two components. It showcased twenty-three local and
CARE by Patricia Piccinini Set for Exhibition at Museum MACAN
Opening on 25 May 2024, Museum MACAN presents a solo exhibition by globally-recognised Australian artist, Patricia Piccinini, for the first time in Indonesia. Curated by Tobias Berger, the exhibition titled CARE will showcase forty life-size sculptures, three large video installations, along with Celestial Field (2021), a spectacular installation of thousands of flowers. Piccinini’s one-of-a-kind sculptures
Awangart’s Sophisticated Fractal Vision Invite Us To Engage With Nature’s Repetitive Designs
Spirals of vibrant circular geometric designs pulsate from central points. Layers of contrasting structured, repetitious patterns fills the canvas with stunning visual information. While we gaze upon the seemingly unknown vistas of movement with dazzling colour alongside earthy tones, cosmic landscapes and natural elements such as flowers and leaves remind us of home. We engage
W.G. Hofker’s Artistic Odyssey and the Cultural Tapestry that Inspired Him
European painters have long been captivated by the beauty of Indonesia. The stunning landscapes and rich colorful heritage have served as an inspiration for many renowned artists throughout history. In this article, Sake Santema from Indies Gallery presents a few works from his collection by Willem G Hofker, whose life and work became deeply intertwined
In Focus: Bandung Contemporary Artist Alfiah Rahdini
A young Indonesian lady wearing a hijab sits crossed-legged, making the Dharmachakra mudra hand gesture, meditating on a yoga mat positioned upon a lotus throne. The beautiful life-sized sculpture, ‘Sri Naura Paramita,’ its creator stylised as the subject, is immediately compelling, tinged with light-heartedness, yet packs a mighty blow. The sculpture by emerging Bandung multi-disciplined
Art Agenda: Appreciating Southeast Asia’s History Through Art
Within the landscape of Southeast Asian art, cultures and history intertwine. This union has created a diverse art scene that is also complex and bespoke to the region. Art Agenda stands as a bridge that connects cultures, art enthusiasts and artworks from post-war Southeast Asia. Founded in 2016 by Wang Zineng, who has a deep
