WHAT’S ON ISA ART GALLERY IN SEPTEMBER, 2024
Arahmaiani Retrospective Solo Show
The Wrath of Earth
At Wisma 46 BNI
Opens now through September 20th
Don't miss out on this final chance to witness the retrospective solo exhibition of Arahmaiani, one of Indonesia’s most influential contemporary artists. This exhibition showcases Arahmaiani’s works from her early pieces to her most recent projects. Her work is more than just a representation of the obstacles; it is a call to action, urging people to be conscious of their role in the global ecosystems and moving towards sustainable living.
Through her art, Arahmaiani interprets contemporary traditions, cultural and religious practices, and the intersections of multiculturalism. She highlights the beauty of multiculturalism and its challenges, highlighting how religious beliefs can unite and divide communities. Arahmaiani also addresses environmental issues and the pervasive influence of capitalism, using satirical cartoons as a social commentary. Her critique of capitalism is intertwined with environmental concerns, as it drives destruction and exacerbates social inequalities.
As Arahmaiani continues to push boundaries and inspire discourse, her legacy resonates not only within the realm of contemporary art but also as an action and advocacy in this rapidly changing world.
ISA Art Gallery Wisma 46
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta, Indonesia
Opening hours:
Tuesdays to Saturdays | 11AM – 6PM
Closed on Mondays, Sundays & public holidays
Agus Wijaya, Taksakala, Installation, 2023
Janelle Low, At Your Surface, 2018
Emma Rani Hodges-Vanitlerpibon, I’m your unfinished shadow, you’ve gone where I can’t go, and I know the sunbeams must miss you, 2021
Our upcoming exhibition "Everything We Inherit" at ISA Art Gallery in collaboration with the Australian Mission to ASEAN to celebrate the 50th anniversary of dialogue relations, explores the ever-evolving concepts of identity and national boundaries in our rapidly globalizing world.
In a time when the movement of goods, information, and people is accelerating in all directions, we're prompted to ask: Do the borders of nation-states still hold relevance? Is it possible to create new maps of cultural exchange, movement, and artistic expression that transcend traditional national boundaries?
"Everything We Inherit" brings together talented artists from Australia with Southeast Asian backgrounds, each with art practices that explore their multi-racial heritage. Through the work, they explore the complexities of these inherited ancestries—what is tangible, what is imagined, and what has been lost to time. Their art questions and redefines the concept of place and identity, challenging the idea of nationality as a singular, fixed entity. Together, their works weave a narrative that celebrates the rich history of transcultural exchange and movement across Southeast Asia and Australia.
Artwork Image:
Natasha Lubis, Myristica, a Mirage, 2017
We are delighted to announce the upcoming annual women show exhibition at World Trade Centre 3, Jakarta, showcasing the works of Indonesian women artists. This year’s exhibition invites audiences to explore Indonesia through the nuanced perspectives of women artists from diverse backgrounds.
The annual women show offers an exploration of national identity, heritage, and cultural narratives as interpreted by these artists. The exhibition will feature works that combine traditional influences with contemporary practices, creating a dialogue that reflects the evolving role of women in shaping Indonesia’s cultural landscape.
This is an opportunity to engage with artistic interpretations and to deepen our understanding of Indonesia through the eyes of its women artists. Save the dates and be part of this discovery at World Trade Centre 3.
Entitled "Les voix des fleuves, Crossing the water", the 17th edition of the Lyon Biennale invites artists to examine and investigate the waxing and fading interactions that show how human connections are changing throughout time, both with one another and their surroundings. The 17th edition of the Lyon Biennial will open in September 2024 and will last till January 2025.
One of our featured artists, Ines Katamso, will be showcasing her work at the prestigious Lyon Biennale this year. Katamso takes a scientific and spiritual approach to understanding our relationship with the environment, studying microorganisms and fossils. With an ecological approach, she revisits old artisan skills, employing repurposed materials to produce timeless, sustainable creations. Ines Katamso's works are somewhere between a future archaeology and a reinterpretation of vernacular mythology, creating hybrid organisms that are both organic and artistic, conventional and modern.
Musée d’Art Contemporain
Cité Internationale, 81 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday | 11 AM - 6 PM
Weekends, 11 AM - 7 PM
Exceptional closure on December 25 and January 1
This international exhibition brings together the work of Asian women artists from the 1960s to the present, offering a thematic exploration centered on the concept of "corporeality." Moving beyond a chronological approach, the exhibition seeks to uncover the rich, multidimensional nature of Asian women's art, examining it through a transnational and comparative cultural lens. This perspective allows for a fresh and contemporary reevaluation of the artists' diverse practices, highlighting how their work intersects with broader social, political, and cultural narratives across Asia.
Featuring 130 artworks from across Asia—including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand—this exhibition showcases a dynamic range of artistic expressions and mediums. The exhibition will feature Indonesian women artists--Arahmaiani, IGAK Murniasih, Mella Jaarsma, and Melati Suryodarmo.
Arahmaiani, a pivotal figure in contemporary Indonesian art whose practice spans performance, installation, painting, and mixed media. Known for her bold exploration of cultural identity, social justice, and spirituality, Arahmaiani’s work challenges conventional norms and invites critical reflection on global and local issues. In this exhibition, Arahmaiani presents four of her significant works: “Offerings from A-Z” (1996), “Handle Without Care” (1997), “Do Not Prevent the Fertility of the Mind” (1997), and “Accident” (1981). Each piece exemplifies her commitment to addressing complex themes such as consumerism, environmental degradation, and the power dynamics within cultural exchanges. Her inclusion in this exhibition highlights her enduring influence and the continued relevance of her work in articulating the nuanced experiences of Asian women within the global art scene.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea
30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Gallery B1 – 5 & 6
Opening hours:
Thursdays - Tuesdays | 10 AM - 6 PM
Wednesdays | 10 AM - 9 PM
The ongoing exhibition "Rumpang, Rimpang, Rampung: Towards Shifting Perspectives" at the Contemporary Art Gallery, features Arahmaiani’s renowned soft sculpture "I Love You" (2009). This exhibition—a collaboration between CultureLab and Asmara Abigail serves as an introspective reflection, 79 years after Indonesia’s Independence and 26 years following the Reform, offering diverse perspectives on the nation's evolution.
The selected works navigate critical issues such as mental health awareness, environmental degradation, inclusivity, and gender equality. The exhibition’s title "Rumpang" represents the fragmentation of history, "Rimpang" suggests the growth and dissemination of new ideas, and "Rampung" embodies the hope for resolution and collective achievement.
Arahmaiani’s "I Love You" (2009) sculpture, which has been featured globally at institutions like the National Gallery Singapore, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Museum MACAN, utilizes Jawi script to express themes of care and love, advocating for a more peaceful society.
Contemporary Art Gallery TMII
Jl. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ceger, Kec. Cipayung,
Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13820
Opening hours:
Mondays - Sundays | 9 AM - 5 PM
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah ticket entrance can be bought here
Contemporary Art Gallery ticket entrance: Rp25.000 / person