Ki.Basic: Carrying Culture, Weaving Meaning
From its indigenous roots to its transformation into a contemporary fashion statement, the noken is more than just a bag. In the hands of Ki.Basic, this traditional woven bag from Papua has evolved into a stylish and meaningful fashion item that invites modern consumers to experience the cultural journey and philosophy behind each piece. Photos
Life Bursts in ‘A Gentle Eruption’ by Carissa Finneren
In her debut solo work titled “A Gentle Eruption,” Carissa Finneren writes through the in-between, where memory and emotion quietly unravel in the search for home. It often starts with a memory. Something small, like a popsicle dripping down your fingers, the lowing of cows in the neighbourhood, or the sand between your toes on
The 100% Manusia Film Festival 2025 Inspires Empowerment from Ripples to Waves of Change
The 100 % Manusia Film Festival returns on September 4–14, 2025 in Jakarta and Yogyakarta with the theme “Empowerment.” Now in its 9th edition, the festival celebrates 11 incredible days, with 9 fringe programs across 7 screening venues in 2 cities. The festival will open with the Austrian drama How To Be Normal and The
Wirantawan: Art As a Search For Oneness
Article by Jean Couteau | Read his other articles in NOW! Bali A very interesting exhibition has recently been held at the Bentara Budaya, Jakarta, between May 28 and June 8, showing the works of the Balinese artist Putu Wirantawan. When gazing upon Wirantawan’s work, one is immediately struck—if not utterly overwhelmed—by elements that feel
Witness BALLET SOUNDTRACK SHOW: Where Ballet Meets Cinema to the Power of Live Orchestra
On 30 August, step into a world where the greatest cinematic scores transform into breathtaking neoclassical ballet. BALLET SOUNDTRACK SHOW is an immersive evening of movement, music, and emotion performed by world-class dancers and accompanied by a full live symphony orchestra at the Jakarta Concert Hall. The concert is split into two time intervals: 3
Pusparagam Marks the Opening of Cikini 82 as a New Cultural Hub in Jakarta
For decades, Cikini 82 was closed to the public. However, its historical significance and architectural heritage remained intact. Now, after a meticulous restoration process, the building has been revitalised and returned to its role as a public space. Located in Menteng, Cikini 82 is a historic building that has witnessed many important milestones in Indonesia’s
Bali Island in Early Photography
It was only six years after the invention of photography in the year 1839 that Balinese artefacts like masks and statues were being captured through the lens in Jakarta. And to this day, Bali continues to mesmerise photographers with its timeless beauty. Sake Santema from Indies Gallery shares a few early photographs along with a brief history that offers a glimpse into
Rediscovering Borobudur’s Hidden Narratives
Borobudur Temple is often seen as a grand symbol of Indonesia’s cultural heritage—a majestic structure crowned with stupas and decorated with Ramayana reliefs. Yet for painter Sohieb Toyaroja, its true essence lies hidden in plain sight. By thoughtfully studying 1,460 narrative reliefs, Sohieb distilled their ancient wisdom into just nine personal and intimate paintings. His
Dita Gambiro’s “Chronospira” Bridges Film and Art at ARTOTEL Gelora Senayan
You wouldn’t expect a hotel gallery next to one of Jakarta’s most high-energy stadiums to be the place where time folds in on itself, but then again, Chronospira is not your average exhibition. Opening 8 July 2025 at ARTOTEL Gelora Senayan, Chronospira is a mixed-media installation by renowned artist and production designer Dita Gambiro. Inspired
Jakarta’s Coastal Communities: Capturing Life at the Edge of Change
Indonesian photographers have turned their lenses toward the communities of Jakarta’s coastals, capturing powerful visual narratives that reveal the day-to-day realities of life on the frontlines. Their images portray a complex story of resilience, vulnerability, and the evolving relationship between people and their shifting environment. Indonesia’s coastline extends for over 54,716 km—making it the second
Beyond the Trends: Subeng Klasik’s Case on Why Heritage is Timeless
When it comes to jewellery, value is often measured by the weight of gold, the size of a stone, or the sway of trends. Yet on Benda Street in Kemang, one jeweller quietly resists this tide. When interests are easily influenced by what’s new, Subeng Klasik walks the other way– deliberate, grounded, and unapologetically Indonesian.
Marvel at Make Me Dirty: Ardi Gunawan Solo Exhibition Show
From 4 July to 12 September 2025, Made Me Dirty is the latest solo exhibition by Indonesian artist Ardi Gunawan curated by Hendro Wiyanto, presenting a body of work at ISA Art Gallery that oscillates between satire, political critique, emotional expression, and cultural mass media observation. Known for his humorous, grotesque, and deeply personal visual
ARTJOG 2025: Indonesia’s Premier Art Festival Returns for Its 18th Edition
Indonesia’s premier contemporary art festival ARTJOG 2025 is set to return from 20 June to 31 August 2025 at the Jogja National Museum in Yogyakarta. This year’s theme, Motif: Amalan (Practice) concludes the Motif trilogy that began in 2023, exploring the evolving relationship between art and society. Since 2018, ARTJOG has evolved beyond being merely
