Garis Art

Culture and tradition, both together form one of the factors setting one group of people uniquely apart from another. Such differences in cultural and traditional backgrounds are what make our world more colorful. It is undoubtedly interesting for us when we visit a certain place, witnessing local culture and tradition, foreign and unique in our eyes.

The same is applicable to the world of art. The differences between one artist’s cultural and traditional background from the other allow for different sorts of art works, making the world of art so much more appealing. How unfortunate then, that Western cultural influences have become entirely too strong in various sectors, as well as in art, that they are often misconstrued by many within our art sphere. This Western influence which should serve to enrich our art world, turned into a debilitating colonial power, casting aside our own artistic culture and tradition. As a result, the Indonesian art world comes across as not having a strong identity - one that enables it to be indisputably called “Indonesian art”, and in the end fails in becoming another color to draw the attention of the international art world.

For us, this exhibition titled Ethnicity Now, curated by Jim Supangkat, is a small step towards cultivating our pride in an Indonesian art that is rooted in local culture and tradition. For this exhibition, we have invited eight artists - I Wayan Bendi, I Made Djirna, Heri Dono, Samuel Indratma, Angki Purbandono, Indieguerillas, and Yudi Sulistya; they are but a few artists still upholding their “mother” culture and tradition.

Through their artworks, each displaying its local cultural and traditional content, they have become well-known names in the international art world. Their names are well-recognized on the world's greatest stages, various Biennales or other important art events. Their works have also been collected by various museums abroad.

This exhibition cannot be realized without the support of various parties. And therefore, allow me to take this time to extend my heartfelt and endless thanks to the artists who have all worked tirelessly to create the amazing pieces we now behold.

To our sponsors: BCA who have given its full support for our cause, also to Egg+ and all our media partners, Metro TV, MRA Group through their Bazaar Magazine, AMICA, Bravacassa, Esquire, Amica, Hard Rock FM and Brava Radio, and websites Whatnot and Jakarta Now, for spreading the word of our cause to the wider public. Personally, I also wish to thank friends at Pantarei Communications and Design Hub who have tirelessly supported me and Garis artSpace in hosting this exhibition.

In closing, I can only hope that this exhibition can be that one preliminary step to reach an Indonesian art world that is truly local, heart and soul.