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BTPN opens art space in South Jakarta
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A close up of "Fermentation of Nose", a contemporary art piece by Heri Dono displayed in Latar, an art space situated within BTPN Sinaya's new office at the Menara BTPN building in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta on March 9. (JP/Masajeng Rahmiasri)
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rivate lender Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Nasional (BTPN) launched an art space in the Menara BTPN building in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Thursday.
Named Latar, the art space is situated on the building's first floor -- inside the finance funding business unit of BTPN Sinaya's new branch office, which also opened on Thursday. Featuring artworks by selected artists, it is open to customers as well as the general public.
BTPN director Anika Faisal said that Latar, which was named based on the word pelataran (courtyard), had been created to help reawaken the public’s interest in local arts. “This is a space for our customers to meet the artists. They may decide to buy or simply marvel at the art,” she said.
Architect and curator Budi Lim said that the venue aimed at inviting people to learn more about the artworks. “From what I have observed, artworks are often seen only by curators and art enthusiasts in galleries or at exhibitions. I think this space provides a golden opportunity for the public to familiarize themselves with art,” he said.
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“I hope that when people happen to be in this [Mega Kuningan] area, they will visit Latar to recharge their souls,” he added, citing that art was a form of healing and guidance for the soul.
The art displays in Latar are scheduled for renewal every two months. The space currently features works by Heri Dono in a solo exhibition titled “Yellow Submarine”, running until May 10. Heri is a contemporary artist whose works have been displayed in various local and international exhibitions, including Art Stage Singapore 2017 and Jakarta Ceramics Biennale 2016.
Budi said that Heri’s work contained social guidance; the installation Fermentation of Nose called on people to be more critical of information, which is relevant to the current issue of hoaxes.
Latar is expected to host other kinds of art in the future, such as photography, design, craft, two- and three-dimensional installations, video, as well as performing arts.
Prior to the exhibition launch, the bank also hosted a talk show about self-healing through art and empowerment for its Sinaya customers. (kes)
