With its captivating creativity, it invites visitors to explore the concepts and emotions behind each artwork

The arrival of a new art gallery in Jakarta marks a renewed spirit in the realm of contemporary Southeast Asian art. On April 12, 2025, ara contemporary officially opened its doors in the Senayan area of South Jakarta, simultaneously launching its inaugural exhibition titled “We Begin with Everything,” which runs through May 4, 2025.

As a new art space emerging amidst Jakarta’s dynamic art scene, ara contemporary was founded by three seasoned art professionals: Fiesta Ramadanti, Fredy Chandra, and Megan Arlin. Each founder brings over 15 years of experience from renowned art institutions such as Art Jakarta, Mizuma Gallery, and Sullivan+Strumpf. The name ara is an acronym derived from the founders’ surnames and also references a Sanskrit word meaning “shelter”—reflecting the gallery’s commitment to being a contemplative space for artistic dialogue.

The opening exhibition, “We Begin with Everything,” draws inspiration from Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Its theme reflects the philosophy that creation is an infinite process that is always accessible. Through this exhibition, ara contemporary seeks to celebrate the transition from concept to tangible artwork and to honor the creative journey as a continually evolving process.

Seventeen artists from across Southeast Asia are featured in the exhibition, including prominent names from Indonesia such as Agan Harahap, Albert Yonathan Setyawan, Irfan Hendrian, and Wedhar Riyadi. International artists like Alisa Chunchue (Thailand), Dawn Ng (Singapore), and Marcos Kueh (Malaysia) also present works that address local contexts through global narratives.

The gallery consists of two main exhibition spaces: the Main Gallery, with its high ceilings, serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, while the Focus Gallery on the lower level is specifically designed to support emerging artists, writers, curators, and art practitioners. Its mission is to cultivate experimental practices and new perspectives within the art world.

With a thoughtful curatorial approach and a vision to connect Southeast Asian artists with the global art scene, ara contemporary is more than just a new gallery—it is a new space poised to broaden artistic discourse on an international scale, starting from Jakarta. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this rich, reflective, and inspiring art showcase.

photo source : instagram.com/aracontemporary

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