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Colonial roots: Visitors ponder 'Long Hanging Fruits’ by Elia Nurvista, an installation reflecting on the exploitative legacy of oil palm trees, introduced to Indonesia by the Dutch in 1848.
JP/Sylviana Hamdani
Colonial roots: Visitors ponder 'Long Hanging Fruits’ by Elia Nurvista, an installation reflecting on the exploitative legacy of oil palm trees, introduced to Indonesia by the Dutch in 1848. JP/Sylviana Hamdani
Art & Culture premium

‘Beyond Unsettled Past’: Revisiting Indonesia’s colonial legacies

The exhibition, held at in Erasmus Huis in Jakarta, reexamines colonial legacies through a distinctly Indonesian lens. Curated by historian Sadiah Boonstra and artist Sukiato Khurniawan, the show features powerful works by six artists that confront the lingering imprints of colonialism on society.

6 days ago
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Dancing in harmony: 75 Years of Indonesia-Thailand diplomacy

From the graceful Thai Blessing Dance to the vibrant Indonesian Puspa Mekar, the performance blended traditional melodies and symbolism, captivating the audience with a shared spirit of peace and unity.

1 week ago
Art & Culture premium

Diponegoro lives on, two centuries after the fact

Although the Java War started two centuries ago, the story of Diponegoro's heroism remains fresh to Indonesians today thanks to many serious scholarly works as well as the products of pop culture which advertise his trials and tribulations. The following is a non-exhaustive list of scholarly works and popular retellings of Diponegoro's life.

1 week ago

The Latest

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The 'greatest Indonesian album of all time' gets a vinyl reissue

For the first time since its release in 1977, the critically acclaimed soundtrack album Badai Pasti Berlalu has been officially pressed and released on vinyl.

11 months ago
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Maestro Dolorosa Sinaga and her protégé illuminate Indonesia's dark past

Senior sculptor and her protege bring social activism to art, telling the stories of Indonesia's past and present. 

11 months ago
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Examining robots through organic materials

Artist Antonius Kho examines the relationship between humans and robots through a series of artworks celebrating humanity and machinery amid digital and technology advances.

11 months ago
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‘Tiga Sisi’: Exploring everyday beauty with mixed media

Three female artists exhibit their works in ceramics, painting and printmaking using everyday items made from unconventional media.

1 year ago
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Morocco and the imagination beyond

The land has bee inhabited since the beginning of history, yet its far-flung location conjures up tall tales and magical stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.

1 year ago
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Reflecting on 'Matahari Papua': Teater Koma's artistic continuum

Koma Teater played late founder Nano Riantiarno's last manuscript around what would have been his 75th birthday, telling a story of a Papuan tribe fighting a dragon's tyranny. 

1 year ago
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Preserving tradition: The importance of Indonesian arts in a globalized world

Ngurah’s efforts to introduce Indonesian arts to US audiences have borne fruit, particularly in the Midwest. His work at institutions like Northern Illinois University (NIU) and the Indonesian Consulate in Chicago has sparked enthusiasm and curiosity among students.

1 year ago
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Recreating once-hidden historic Indonesian reliefs

An interactive exhibition at the Salihara arts center in Jakarta seeks to immerse the public in the scale and scope of reliefs conveying founding father and first Indonesian president Soekarno’s vision for the young country.

1 year ago
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Scent trends 2024: A guide to today's perfume preferences

Despite the current global and national hardships, the perfume industry keeps going strong and exudes an aroma of freshness as brands, foreign and domestic alike, keep spraying the latest aromatic vapors.

1 year ago
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'France-Indonesia: Road to Paris 2024': Spreading the spirit of Olympism

The French Embassy in Jakarta is working with the Indonesian Olympics Committee and two French corporations to hold a sporting photography exhibition ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is the third time the City of Light will host a Summer Games, exactly 100 years after its second hosting in 1924. Paris first hosted the quadrennial sporting event in 1900.

1 year ago
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‘Wirid’ made art in Butet Kartaredjasa’s ‘Melik Nggendong Lali’

An artist known more for his acting and monologue, Butet Kertaradjasa showcases his many talents from the early stage of his career in the world of arts by displaying approximately 350 sketches, paintings and sculptures.

1 year ago
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Being alive: Singapore International Festival of Arts seeks what it means to be human

Themed “They Declare”, this year’s edition endeavored to welcome voices of people from all backgrounds and identities.

1 year ago
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Indonesians wooed by South Korean opera ‘The Wedding Day’

“Spring sneaks in like a thief!” a female servant belts out onstage, “It stole the winter, and it stole my heart, too.”

1 year ago
Art & Culture

Cultures, nature set to meld at 2024 Singapore International Festival of Arts

The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is slated to return on Friday and run until June 2 at multiple theaters across the city-state.

1 year ago
Art & Culture

Louvre says Mona Lisa could get a room of her own

Such a move would give visitors, many of whom visit the Louvre for the iconic painting alone, a better experience, Laurence des Cars told the France Inter broadcaster.

1 year ago
Art & Culture

Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 million euros

Hong Kong gallery HomeArt snapped up the "Bildnis Fraeulein Lieser" ("Portrait of Miss Lieser"), which was commissioned by a wealthy Jewish industrialist's family and painted by the symbolist master Klimt in 1917 shortly before he died.

1 year ago
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Indonesian modest fashion: From tradition to trendsetter

The Indonesian fashion landscape has been moving toward sharia-conforming clothing, locally known as syar'i clothing, which can range from a simple selendang (thin scarf) to more delicate and intricate designs that are still easy to wear. 

1 year ago
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Cerita Kaca: Reflections on Indonesia's reverse glass paintings

An exhibition at Dia.Lo.Gue takes a look at the art of reverse glass painting, which originated in Europe and reached its heyday in Indonesia in the 19th and 20th centuries, when local artists infused their works with Chinese techniques.

1 year ago
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What If Lab: Public space made possible at Kampung Susun Kunir

 An urban exhibition showcases the perseverance of Kampung Kunir residents in defending their neighborhood. Turning the demolition of their homes into a low-cost apartment complex.

1 year ago
Art & Culture

US sculptor Richard Serra, known for towering minimalism, dies at 85

His strikingly large pieces are installed all over the world, from Paris museums to the Qatari desert, and have sometimes sparked controversy over their imposing nature.

1 year ago
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Discovery of ancient inscriptions adds new story to beginning of Batak script

Three ancient inscriptions found in North Sumatra show the possible transition from the ancient Sumatran script to the currently known Batak script.

1 year ago
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Gugug: A free-spirited, silent observer of everyday life

An exhibition to celebrate 25 years of comic strip ‘Gugug!’ embodies the canine character’s free and adventurous spirit.

1 year ago
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Short story: Not so bright lights, Sinking City

After snoozing four times, you turn off your alarm at 5:43 a.m. You list your gratitude: your slim thighs, your mother, your Timberland shoes. Unlike half the office, you’re grateful you’re not being forced to move to IKN or to get married. Mostly, you’re grateful for your phone and Angel, your two-year-old gray Munchkin cat.

1 year ago
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‘Voice Against Reason’: Challenging norms and inspiring reflection through art

Artists from Indonesian and other countries try to break down long-held beliefs, practices and a semblance of normalcy through a variety of works compassing fine arts and performance arts, as well as anything in between, in an exhibition at the Museum MACAN. 

1 year ago
Art & Culture

Abandoned Singapore mall becomes unlikely art haven

Around half a century old, Peace Centre is scheduled to face the wrecking ball later this year, but fans say it has provided a rare space for self-expression.

1 year ago
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National Museum unites multidisciplinary experts to rise from the ashes

The Museum National is working hard to restore artifacts affected by a fire that tore through Building A in September 2023, as well as implementing renovations that are scheduled to take over a year.

1 year ago
Art & Culture

Calling all guitar heroes, The Smashing Pumpkins are hiring

The influential alt rockers who achieved 1990s fame with hits including "Cherub Rock" and "Tonight, Tonight" are seeking an additional guitarist and welcoming resumes.

1 year ago
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CTI's 15-year mission and beyond: Safeguarding Indonesia's handwoven legacy

Overshadowed by the more famous and recognized batik, the Indonesian traditional handwoven cloth tenun does not lack supporters at home who strive to get the traditional fabric used more in our daily life. Cita Tenun Indonesia commemorates its 15th anniversary celebrating tenun by providing more training for weavers and introducing the fabric to a wider audience.

1 year ago
Art & Culture

Unique Ecuador nativity scene aims for historical accuracy

Some 300 figurines currently on display in a monastery-turned-museum in Quito, Ecuador recount biblical stories surrounding the birth of Jesus, such as Mary and Joseph's flight to Egypt to protect their baby or the massacre of the innocents, the tale of King Herod ordering the killing of all male children under two.

1 year ago
Art & Culture

'Soul of our ancestors': US to return stolen Cambodian treasures

The return of the sculptures to their countries of origin would empty the Met's collection of art associated with Douglas Latchford, a dealer charged with smuggling looted artifacts from Southeast Asia, the museum said.

1 year ago