Words and Photos Richard Horstman

The ever-evolving ArtJog 9, Indonesia’s leading international art event, finishes its month-long run at the Jogja National Museum in Yogyakarta next week.

Blurring the line between art fair and exhibition has given ArtJog a distinctive flavor, as the event highlights artists instead of galleries, making it fundamentally different from other art fairs around the world.

“Many outstanding Indonesian artists who exhibit at international galleries and events are well known for their characteristic works,” ArtJog9 CEO and founder Heri Pemad said. “But take a look at their works at ArtJog9! This year I have challenged them to make their work more fun and fresh, while the new venue offers wonderful opportunities for inspiring presentations.”

The Jogja National Museum has been partially renovated for the event. The installation of a 36-meter-tall tower capped by a model of a UFO emphasized this year’s theme of “Universal Influence”.

“Based on numerology, nine is the highest number, symbolizing the summit. It’s been a long and tough journey, yet I believe ArtJog9 is a great achievement for Yogyakarta and the global art community to observe the strength of Indonesian art,” Heri said. “The development of a fresh local art discourse is also a great achievement for our artists.”

From humble beginnings over the past two decades, Heri has developed close relationships in the local art community.

Possessing a gift for communication that has been the foundation of several successful associations, as well a vision of the needs of artists, he launched in 2004 Heri Pemad Art Management(HPAM), an institution that grew out of his personalized art services.

While HPAM can take credit for playing constructive roles with many leading names coming out of the region who have gone on to greater success, ArtJog as a flagship event has fostered the parallel development of the local art scene, positioning Yogyakarta and ArtJog on both the international art map and calendar.

In 2014, ArtJog welcomed more than 100,000 visitors in three weeks–breaking attendance records and crossing a threshold that no other Indonesian cultural event has achieved.

“ArtJog9 has been entrusted to find and promote young talent while being an intermediary to link undiscovered artists with the local and international scene,” Heri said. “This creates opportunities for Indonesian and international galleries needing to introduce fresh names into the market. ArtJog permits them to find new talent easily.”

Showcasing invited Indonesian artists and international artists from Japan, Australia and Liechtenstein, the exhibition, curated by Bambang “Toko” Witjaksono and Ignatia Nilu, features two- and three-dimensional works, installations, videos, site-specific objects and performances totaling 94 works.

“Look out for works from local artists Aditya Novali, Eko Nugroho, Made Widyadiputra, Indiguerillas, Maryanto, Samsul Arifin and Wedar Riyadi–and works by senior artists FX Harsono, Naisrun and Garin Nugroho,” Heri said.

“ArtJog9 highlights a program of activities during Jogja’s art weeks that invites the entire art community in Yogyakarta to create exhibitions and events during June to celebrate and welcome guests to the region,” Pemad said. “I wish to convey to the leaders of our country that we have enormous artistic and cultural wealth in Indonesia, which abound with potential and opportunities to be realized in the creative economy and tourism sectors.”

Tips For Collectors

“Meeting and getting to know the artists and the ideas explaining their works is an essential way to educate buyers,” Heri says.

A “Curators’ Tour” hosted by Toko and Ignatia on June 25 is an excellent opportunity for collectors, art lovers and curious members of the public to gain insights into the unique nature of Indonesian contemporary art.

Tips for First Time Buyers

“Trust your instincts. Ask yourself, how does the work make you feel? Is it right for me and my requirements?” Heri says. “Carefully consider the installation of the artwork within the environment in mind. The decor, degree of natural lighting along with the requirements for artificial lighting are also important. How well does it fit into your lifestyle?”

Know your budget, he adds. “If you find something you like seek more information and ask questions. Keep your options open and don’t make hasty decisions.”

_______________________

ArtJog9 “Universal Influence”

Ends June 27

Jogja National Museum
Jl. Prof. Ki Amri Yahya No. 1
Wirobrajan, Yogyakarta
Phone:  +62274586105
Website: artjog.co.id

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