Bahasa 21 June – 27 October 2019
This exhibition looks at the creative practices of Indonesian artists working since the fall of President Suharto in 1998, an event that marked the end of three decades of the repressive, discriminatory New Order regime.
The years from the mid-1990s leading up to this transformative moment in Indonesian history are known as the Reformasi period, when voices of dissent calling for reform became audible. From 1998, in the post-Reformasi era of transition from an authoritarian regime to a democracy, the sudden, unfamiliar opportunity for innumerable individual beliefs and opinions to be broadcast created a declamatory cacophony accompanied by tactical manoeuvres as numerous social and political groups jostled for prominence.
The post-Reformasi era of artistic practice in Indonesia has witnessed wide-spread engagement with global issues, and the adoption of new materials and approaches by younger generations of artists. This has been supported by the critical refocussing of art-schools and universities, teachers, curators, collectors and gallerists to determine and champion Indonesia's art history: from within Indonesia, on Indonesian terms.
Of major significance to the post-Reformasi era, is the confident resounding of work by a number of senior artists who have emerged from the Suharto years as inspirational leaders, globally recognised for their pivotal guidance of Indonesian art history throughout an era of repression.
The artists in Contemporary Worlds: Indonesia explore diverse concepts ranging from sexuality, gender roles and family, to environmental concerns, the art market, new materials and forms, the everyday object and how we might listen to and learn from the sounds of Indonesia. This exhibition is a snapshot of creative activities in Indonesia now, and provides witness to an incredibly dynamic group of artists who are engaged, connected and responsive to a number of the most potent ideas and issues, globally.
Exhibition tours
Join a guide to discover artists, themes and art reflecting contemporary Indonesia.
Weekdays: 11am
Weekends and holidays: 11am and 2pm
