ART JAKARTA 2025: BRINGING OPTIMISM THROUGH ART AND COLLABORATION

Images courtesy of Art Jakarta

Art That Moves, Inspires, and Sparks New Energy

Stepping into Art Jakarta 2025 at JIExpo Kemayoran is like entering a living canvas. The air carries the scent of paint and polished wood, light dances across installations, and a quiet hum of curiosity and conversation threads through every step. Spanning 15,000 square meters across three halls and featuring 75 galleries from 16 countries, the fair strikes a harmonious balance—50% local, 50% international. As Artistic Director Enin Supriyanto explains, “We always aim for a 50:50 balance. It gives space for Indonesian galleries while also welcoming international voices. Art Jakarta wants to be a player on the global art scene, even if our focus is Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific.”

Seventy-five galleries converge to create a rich tapestry of voices—from local contemporary creators to international pioneers. At Ara Contemporary, Ipeh Nur’s Ombak Belum Tidur gently envelopes viewers in waves of light and shadow. Though the piece has won international acclaim, this is its first encounter with an Indonesian audience. There’s a quiet magic in seeing the work come alive through the presence of people around it, their footsteps and whispers weaving into the rhythm of the installation. Nearby, Ardi Gunawan at ISA Art Gallery invites visitors into Luckily There’s No Inside (With Friendly Ghost), where performance and installation merge, making observers almost participants in the unfolding story. Endry Pragusta’s Kelana Series draws the eye through fluid sculptural forms, while Aditya Novali’s 5.4-meter-tall installation commands the hall, prompting a collective pause and awe. Amid the grandeur, SANKHARA Art’s Stolen Muse—an astronaut riding a vespa with a Mona Lisa-like passenger—offers a playful counterpoint, eliciting smiles and lingering glances.

The Highlight segment introduces partner projects that elevate engagement and interaction. SUPERMUSIC presents The Acceptance Gallery, an immersive space for reflection and self-discovery. iForte transforms weather data from their solar panels into an audiovisual installation, Lumiphona.Dat, created by Ricky Janitra, illustrating how technology and creativity intersect. TACO collaborates with Jessica Soekidi on New Horizon, blending diverse materials to create a layered, thought-provoking installation. “Art Jakarta provides a platform for our projects to reach audiences in ways that surprise and engage,” says SUPERMUSIC.

Indonesia’s local art community is strongly represented through Art Jakarta Scene, showcasing 36 collectives, studios, and projects, giving them exposure and opportunities to connect with collectors and the public. Art Jakarta Spot features six to nine large-scale installations, curated by galleries and allowing works to interact with the space and visitors dynamically. “Ara Contemporary is presenting Ipeh Nur’s installation in Indonesia for the first time,” Enin notes. “It’s exciting to debut such talent and witness the public’s reaction.”

Presented by Coulisse | INK

The fair’s Lead Partners bring further depth. In the Julius Baer VIP Lounge, Eddie Hara’s CALL 911. DESTROY BAD ART invites playful reflection. “Supporting Art Jakarta allows us to foster dialogue between cultures and generations,” says Julius Baer. Bibit presents Agus Suwage’s Portrait of Possibilities, exploring identity across sixty portraits. “Our goal is to make art and reflection accessible, much like how we empower individuals to invest in their future,” says William. Treasury’s Reserve of Care, by Azizi Almajid and Nuri Fatimah, encourages visitors to craft ceramics for underprivileged children. “This table isn’t just an object,” explains Anang Samsudin from Treasury. “It’s a space to discuss, share values, and actively participate.” Meanwhile, BCA, collaborating with Muklay, transforms pop colors and signature characters into an uplifting space where visitors smile, linger, and feel optimism.

Cross-cultural dialogues flourish through AJX, which this year includes Korea Focus, MTN Seni Budaya’s Arus Baru, and Natta-Cita Art Space from ISI Bali. “Art Jakarta is a platform where artists, institutions, and audiences connect, nurturing creativity across borders,” Enin says. Many works are being exhibited to the public for the first time, making the fair a space of discovery, conversation, and shared wonder.

Walking through the fair, the rhythm of monumental installations, interactive spaces, and emerging talent creates a dynamic flow. Art Jakarta 2025 is not merely a showcase—it is an experience. “We hope visitors leave inspired, carrying a sense of optimism and creativity,” Enin adds. As you step out, the colors, textures, and energy linger, a spark to carry home.

Tickets for Art Jakarta 2025 are available from 9 September 2025 at artjakarta.com.