In August the famous Ratna Sari Dewi, Sukarno’s fifth wife, stopped by the Indonesia Spirit of the World exhibition featuring the art collection of Indonesia’s Presidential palace to see Basoeki Abdullah’s Under the Moonlight painting. She posed for the painting over half a century ago, but seemed to recall vividly that she was dressed in

Erasmus Huis Jakarta, in collaboration with Bentara Budaya Jakarta, hosts the "World Press Photo" Exhibition featuring works from photographers from around the world. The images capture the state of the world today in all its rawness, including the bloodshed, culture wars, and environmental issues. . Led by senior director of photography Magdalena Herrera, World Press

Southeast Asia’s leading festival of words and ideas, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), returns. The event this year will be held from 24-28 October. The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) returns. The event this year will be held from 24-28 October.  Photo courtesy of UWRF/NOW!JAKARTA It began in 2002 as part of the

Italian actor Enrico Bonavera recently presented an inspirational, thought-provoking performance I segreti di Arlecchino (The Secret of Harlequin) about the prominent character in Commedia dell’arte. Audiences at Goethe Haus Jakarta, were in complete awe of his portrayal of the character. Enrico Bonavera improvise comedy acts, usually based on audience’s reactions or a pre-established scenario. Photo

A community of artists which came together two years ago have displayed their collective talents in a two-day exhibit in Esmod Jakarta’s Kemang outpost. Photo by Raditya Fadilla/NOW!JAKARTA Artbeat, as the group—and event—are called is part of a multitalented line up of artists who have taught members different forms of art: Mixed media, cone work,

For many years, sketching was seen as  rapidly executed freehand drawing. As a means of  recording ideas, sketches were—and are—a quick way of creating images. An exhibition at the National Gallery enlightened audiences on sketching culture as a recreation of the self. Now, sketching is considered a fun activity that involves a sense of emotional

Indonesia, the world’s biggest archipelagic nation, is not easily defined or understood. Its land stretches 5,245km from east to west, spanning more than 17,000 islands. It is home to 700 dialects, 300 ethnic groups, the largest Muslim population in the world and the fourth largest population in the world, with 270 million people. Yes, Indonesia

Ecuadorian painter Sigifredo Camacho presents 20 of his paintings at his solo exhibit “Formas y Colores de la Luz” at Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, Kota Tua, Jakarta. His latest works features abstract paintings that demonstrate a living narrative using shapes and light.  Solo exhibit “Formas y Colores de la Luz” by Ecuadorian painter Sigifredo Camacho

In 1947, two Indonesian painters— siblings Agus and Otto Djaya—arrived in the Netherlands. To place this in context, we have to remember that while Indonesia had proclaimed Independence on 17 August 1945, not long thereafter the Dutch military with the support of Allied Forces returned to reclaim sovereignty over their former colony. They forced the Indonesian