Hello from Art Jakarta..
Art Jakarta wrapped up its latest edition from October 4 to 6, 2024, at JIExpo Kemayoran, securing its position as the largest art fair in Southeast Asia.
With 73 galleries from across the region and beyond, the event showcased a diverse range of talent while highlighting the evolving landscape of contemporary art in Southeast Asia. It was a vibrant mix of local and international perspectives, with installations and works that sparked meaningful conversations among collectors and the public alike.
One standout display was Vertical Submarine’s "Leaving Room." Designed like a prison cell with steel bars that visitors had to wiggle through, it offered a playful critique of how serious the art world can be. Inside, the paintings hinted at deeper themes, suggesting that perhaps we are all a little trapped by the worlds we inhabit. It was thought-provoking yet lighthearted, encouraging a moment of self-reflection.
Another attention-grabber was the "Spot" section, featuring large-scale works addressing themes of power and environmental challenges. Timoteus Anggawan Kusno’s piece blended idyllic village scenes with bold, monumental imagery, creating a tension between two contrasting ideas. The result was a striking reflection on histories we often overlook.
Syaiful Garibaldi’s "Antara Muara," crafted from mushroom leather and reclaimed wood, had a unique, almost living quality. The installation drew viewers in with its eerie presence, making them reflect on the things we tend to ignore in everyday life.
Robert Zhao’s "New Forest" stood out for its simplicity. A photo of a tree stump, paired with newspaper images of animals moving through the aftermath, offered a quiet yet powerful statement. Sometimes, the simplest pieces convey the most.
Art Jakarta is not just about the art on display. It is about the connections made between artists, galleries, and audiences. For us, it was an opportunity to engage with others, Among the many inspirations, we found Tutugraff’s work particularly resonated, blending street and contemporary styles in a way that aligns with our future projects. We left the fair energized, ready to bring these new ideas into our own work.
