Unlike the dividing nature of politics, art culture unifies people from different walks of life.
What does it take for a budding artist to make it into the limelight? If luck is on their side, a passerby spotting their work, could by chance, be the owner of an art gallery scouting for new pieces. For many artists, however, a serious part of their work is sharing their art and simply finding an audience.
Luckily with the rise of art enthusiasts and gallery lovers, Indonesia’s art scene is receiving more and more recognition.
A newfound love for art in the capital city of Jakarta has created groundbreaking opportunities to uncover up and coming artists. The city is now showcasing a wide variety of artwork, from famous modern artists like Raden Salah, all the way to new local artists, such as Natisa Jones, for contemporary art.
2017 was a year of art fairs.
Art Jakarta was the country’s first boutique art fair, formerly known as Bazaar Art Jakarta. They celebrated their ninth event in 2017. The festival featured 53 exhibitors from across the globe and showcased more than 2,000 pieces of art to local and international eyes. Its welcoming atmosphere brought in highly esteemed art collectors, attracted a large number of young art enthusiasts, the general public, and all types of new markets.
The fair displayed excellent curatorship that lured in both local and international art collectors.
Art Stage Jakarta incorporated tech-savvy and innovative elements into a recent exhibition in the form of the augmented reality (AR) painting: Mighty Atom by Mochtar Sarman. Goggles were provided for viewers to see a hologram of Astro Boy moving and interacting with the audience. This installation spiced up the contemporary art scene with the synergy between technology and art.
Watch this space! Jakarta could potentially become the new art hub in the Southeast Asian sphere.
From Jakarta to the rest of the world
From contemporary to historical, the art scene in Jakarta last year embraced widespread themes and audiences with no intentions to withdraw anytime soon. We can safely say that 2017 was a good year for Indonesian art, so keep an eye out for new events in 2018 and the future.
To follow the rise of under-discovered Indonesian artists, visit The Yellow Brick Road Gallery and be inspired with original artwork created by emerging artists in Bali.
