Contemporary art sparks inspiration and strengthens bonds in a vibrant, immersive atmosphere

Amidst the challenges faced by the art world, Art Jakarta 2024 has emerged as a vibrant and ambitious event, showcasing a larger exhibition space and innovative presentations that successfully attracted a large, youthful audience during its opening on Friday. Fair Director Tom Tandio highlighted the evolution of the event since he took the helm in 2019. “2019 was the first time we moved from the Ritz Carlton hotel to a convention hall,” he stated. “For the Indonesian audience, that was actually very new.”

Last year, the fair experienced a sudden relocation due to the 43rd ASEAN Summit. “About sixty events were instructed to leave the hall,” Tandio recalled. “We scrambled hard and eventually found this venue.” This year’s location, JIEXPO Kemayoran, is situated a few kilometers north of the city center—a significant consideration in a city known for its heavy traffic. Despite the logistical challenges, attendees found the modern space with its high arched ceilings to be an impressive upgrade.

Galleries reported an increase in attendance compared to previous years, although sales were somewhat slower, reflecting a trend observed globally. Joseph Kong, Sales Manager at Gajah Gallery, revealed that the fair had “leveled up” since the pandemic, showcasing 3D-printed works by Balinese artist Jemana Murti, priced between SGD $5,000 and $12,000, along with a significant painting by Indonesian artist Yunizar sold for SGD $50,000.

Dea Aprilia from ROH Gallery described the atmosphere as “vibrant,” expressing excitement about welcoming more international guests, including representatives from major institutions in Thailand and Japan. ROH's showcase featured the striking installation “Antara Muara (2024)” by Syaiful Garibaldi, made from laser-engraved mycelium leather.

Other notable works included “Y (on repeat) (2024)” by Bali-based artist Faisal Habibi, which creatively addressed Indonesia’s waste management issues using upcycled materials. Additionally, Tisna Sanjaya's “Ganjel (2024)” made a political statement with a sculpture referencing President Jokowi and his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is set to become Vice President later this month amid accusations of nepotism.

Among the most photographed booths was Galeri ZEN1, which featured a collaborative installation by Yudi Sulistyo and Mulyana that garnered significant attention. Meanwhile, ShanghART presented a thought-provoking newspaper stand by Robert Zhao Renhui, reflecting on the nature of news cycles with art priced affordably at U.S. $8.

Mariia Zhuchenko from Sullivan+Strumpf noted the strong sales of works by Indonesian artist Enggar Rhomadioni, emphasizing the fair's success in connecting with new collectors. Tandio underscored the importance of reaching out to a broader audience, stating that Indonesia boasts the largest collector base in Southeast Asia. This year, the fair collaborated with other independent events in the region to expand its reach, inviting collectors from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and Korea.

The commitment to building an art ecosystem is evident in the quality of the installations and the efforts made to engage corporate sponsors in meaningful collaborations with artists. As the fair continues, the ambition and dynamism of Art Jakarta reflect a promising future for Indonesia's contemporary art scene, standing strong amidst global challenges.

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