Reportage Art Jakarta 2024: Where Local Narratives Meet Global Prestige

 

Art Jakarta 2024 concluded on October 6 with its most successful edition to date, solidifying its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier art fairs. With over 38,000 visitors, the event saw a significant increase from last year’s 35,000 attendees. Held at JIEXPO Kemayoran in North Jakarta, the fair featured 73 participating galleries, showcasing a diverse range of works from both established and emerging artists. This year’s edition was bolstered by major sponsors such as Julius Bär, UOB, Treasury, and Bibit, highlighting the growing corporate interest in supporting contemporary art. 

One of the key reasons behind the fair’s success was its inclusive and diverse selection of galleries. Art Jakarta featured local and international exhibitors, offering a platform for artists from across Southeast Asia. The spacious venue allowed for the presentation of various mediums, from grand sculptures to small but intricately detailed works. It wasn’t just about the numbers; Art Jakarta 2024 also emphasized the importance of quality, offering a curated experience that ensured each artist’s work was given the spotlight it deserved. What stood out this year was the synergy between contemporary art and cultural identity. Many artists used their platforms to explore themes of heritage, nature, and social change. Southeast Asian art, in particular, took center stage, reflecting the region’s unique artistic landscape that draws from deep cultural roots while pushing boundaries in terms of modernity and experimentation.

Courtesy Photos Art Jakarta 2024 – (Top): Mr. Tom Tandio, the Art Jakarta Director, is giving the opening speech / (Below): One of the entrances to Art Jakarta at JIEXPO Kemayoran, North Jakarta.

 

Immersive Art and Collaborations

The power of collaboration was evident throughout Art Jakarta 2024, especially in projects that brought together different artistic styles and mediums. One of the most talked-about exhibitions was "Mannerist Manifest", a collaboration between renowned Indonesian artists Mulyana and Yudi Sulistyo. Their work, displayed by Galeri Zen1, combined Mulyana’s wool-based art with Sulistyo’s intricate paper creations. "Kapal Tanpa Lautan" was a crowd favorite, depicting a fantastical cruise ship adorned with houses, cranes, and airships. It embodied a blend of realism and whimsy, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the artists’ imaginative worlds.  

(Photos Below):  "Mannerist Manifest" & "Kapal Tanpa Lautan"

 

One of the standout highlights of Art Jakarta was the AJ Spot, where a grand collaborative installation took center stage. Four special presentations were specifically tailored for the fair.

(i) Timoteus Anggawan Kusno’s "Dismantling Nostalgia" (KOHESI INITIATIVES): This large-scale collage explored Indonesia’s transition from Dutch colonialism to nationalism. Kusno’s work was not only visually compelling but also emotionally charged, prompting reflection on Indonesia’s complex historical legacy.

(ii) Shaiful Garibaldi’s "Antara Muara" (ROH): Garibaldi showcased tall wooden sculptures resembling mangroves, their sprawling roots symbolizing themes of nature, growth, and human connection. The installation encouraged viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and society.

(iii) Professor Tisna Sanjaya’s "Ganjel" (ART SOCIATES): A political commentary on Indonesia, Sanjaya's work was expressed through a stack of bright orange archival folders, collected over years of his teaching career. The installation offered a critical reflection on the nation’s political and educational systems.

(iv) Iwan Yusuf’s "Air Pasang" (NADI GALLERY): This mixed-media piece brought attention to ocean pollution, utilizing materials such as fishing nets, sea debris, fish baskets, rope, and metal. The work stood as both a powerful artistic statement and an environmental call to action.

These installations were not merely displays of artistic talent; they provoked conversations on important socio-political issues, encouraging viewers to reflect on Indonesia’s past, present, and future. Each piece resonated deeply with visitors, offering a balance of aesthetic appeal and intellectual engagement.

Art Beyond Galleries: Brand Partnerships and Innovation

Art Jakarta 2024 also broke boundaries with its innovative partnerships with global brands. These collaborations merged commercial interests with creative expression, making the fair not only an art exhibition but also a reflection of the interplay between commerce and creativity.

One of the most unique collaborations was Smeg’s "Frigorifero d’arte", a project developed in partnership with Dolce & Gabbana. This installation turned everyday refrigerators into hand-painted pieces of art, merging functionality with artistic expression. It was a refreshing take on how art can transform mundane objects into symbols of luxury and creativity.

The fair also introduced SUPERMUSIC’s "Super Art Box", which was particularly popular with younger visitors. This interactive space allowed attendees to engage with art through music, blending two powerful forms of creative expression. The installation was an example of how Art Jakarta is pushing the boundaries of what can be considered art, while also appealing to a broader, more diverse audience.

One of the more thought-provoking installations was "Knit by Knit", a project by Bibit and Stockbit, which explored the concept of financial management through art. The installation was a collaboration between the companies, artist Cinanti Astria Johansjah, and knitting community Rajut Kejut. The piece metaphorically represented how financial habits are built "stitch by stitch," much like a knitted fabric.

 Art Jakarta’s Role in the Global Art Scene

The significance of Art Jakarta extends far beyond Indonesia. Over the years, the fair has grown to become a key player in the Southeast Asian art market, attracting international galleries and collectors. In 2024, a total of 34 foreign galleries participated, representing countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. 

Art Jakarta has become a platform for cultural exchange, offering international galleries the chance to engage with local audiences while also introducing Indonesian art to the world. As Southeast Asia’s art market continues to expand, Art Jakarta is at the forefront of this movement, championing the region’s artists and facilitating collaborations that cross borders. Art Jakarta 2024 not only celebrated contemporary art but also reinforced the importance of community, collaboration, and cultural identity. It left a lasting impression on both local and international visitors, setting a high standard for future editions. As the fair continues to grow, it promises to remain a key player in the international art world, while also pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve in terms of social and cultural impact.

Lastly, adding to the local flavor, the theme song for the event, Pulang by the Indonesian band Matter Mos, played frequently on Art Jakarta’s Instagram profile, introducing visitors to the event’s rhythmic local nuances, despite the fair's international scope. It was a commendable effort to elevate the local music scene. Listen here.

Throughout the 3-day event, from October 4-6, 2024, Musotrees was honored to serve as a media partner. Among the numerous standout galleries this year, we had our personal favourites, including ROH Projects, Gajah Gallery, Mizuma, Sullivan+Strumpf, Jagad Gallery, and Vin Gallery.

Links to Art Jakarta: Website & Instagram