Manifesto: Indonesian art today

A glimpse of Indonesian art today: (JP/Carla Bianpoen)

The huge number of artists and art lovers at the opening of the "Manifesto" exhibition on May 21, which celebrates 100 years of National Awakening, brought back the euphoric atmosphere of the first CP Biennale in 2003.

"Interpellation" was the theme five years ago, questioning the hegemony of the West. Jim Supangkat, the lead curator of that biennale, launched the term "Art with an Accent", to denote art which deviated from the usual canon.

"Manifesto" proclaims a similar stand, pointing out that art has no equivalent in traditional communities in Indonesia, where art and art creation is a spiritual process.

But in spite of complicated theoretical discourses, the exhibition of works by 354 Indonesian artists is easy to take in, and stunning for its sheer size, excellent quality and attractive presentation.

Jim Supangkat explained that he and his co-curators, Ritzki Zaelani, Farah Wardani and Kuss Indarto, had applied only one condition for the selection of participants: they had to have an audience or be part of an arts community. No theme was imposed, and this had a refreshing effect. Freed from curatorial intervention, the artists presented their best.

Works by artists of name, senior (living), upcoming and emerging artists stand side-by-side showing immense diversity and innovative creativity in the younger generation who are making a mark.

Commissioned by the National Gallery, the Manifesto exhibition is a manifestation of Indonesian art today, a reference of world significance.

"Manifesto"
Pameran Besar Seni Rupa Indonesia 2008
May 21-June 15
Galeri Nasional Indonesia
Jl. Medan Merdeka Timor No. 14
Central Jakarta