Despite such feelings, some have taken it upon themselves to continue creating – perhaps as a way to show that the pandemic will not break their spirits.

This mood is precisely captured by the virtual exhibition “LAWAN!!!” (Fight!!!), held by the Kota Tua Artists Community (KOTA) and the National Gallery of Indonesia.

While the exhibition title sends out a strong message of offensive defiance, cocurator Citra Smara Dewi explained in a curatorial statement the theme was meant to be a positive attitude toward the rapid social changes, responding to sociopolitical aspects like cultural identity, urban culture, and the pandemic itself.

“What’s interesting in the exhibition is that the spirit of ‘LAWAN!!!’ is also in the context of opposing the artistic establishment, especially in the various forms of artistic exploration,” she said.

Held entirely online at the National Gallery’s website from Nov. 10, the exhibition features approximately 35 works by 28 members of KOTA, ranging from video art and paintings to murals.

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