Introduction

The Jakarta Biennale is Indonesia's longest-running contemporary art exhibition, established in 1974 as the "Great Indonesian Painting Exhibition" (Pameran Besar Seni Lukis Indonesia). Over the past five decades, it has evolved from a national showcase to an internationally recognized platform for contemporary art in Southeast Asia and beyond.

As a mirror of Indonesia's dynamic cultural landscape, the Jakarta Biennale reflects the country's social, political, and artistic transformations. From its early focus on painting to its current interdisciplinary approach, the biennale has consistently engaged with pressing socio-political issues while providing a vital space for experimentation and dialogue within Indonesia's vibrant art scene.

The biennale takes place primarily at the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts complex in central Jakarta, with additional venues and projects extending throughout the city. This distributed approach reflects the biennale's commitment to accessibility and its engagement with Jakarta's complex urban landscape and diverse communities.

Narrative & Themes

Throughout its history, the Jakarta Biennale has functioned as a barometer of Indonesia's cultural climate, addressing issues ranging from post-colonial identity and national politics to globalization, environmental crisis, and urban transformation. The biennale's thematic frameworks often reflect Jakarta's own challenges as a rapidly growing metropolis grappling with social inequality, environmental degradation, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Recent editions have embraced increasingly experimental and interdisciplinary approaches, moving beyond traditional exhibition formats to incorporate public interventions, community projects, and collaborative practices. This evolution reflects a commitment to engaging with broader audiences and addressing the complex realities of contemporary Indonesian society.

The 2024 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the Jakarta Biennale under the "lumbung" concept – a traditional Indonesian rice barn system that emphasizes collective resource-sharing and non-hierarchical distribution. This approach represents a significant departure from conventional curatorial models, with the exhibition being jointly organized by multiple art collectives under the umbrella of the Majelis Jakarta (Jakarta Assembly), fostering a more democratic and participatory framework.

History & Context

The Jakarta Biennale emerged during a pivotal period in Indonesia's contemporary art history, coinciding with the rise of the New Art Movement (Gerakan Seni Rupa Baru) that challenged established artistic conventions and sought greater social engagement. Initially organized by the Jakarta Arts Council, the biennale served as a key platform for showcasing the diversity and evolving directions of Indonesian painting.

By the 1990s, the biennale had expanded its scope to include sculpture, installation, and other media, reflecting broader shifts in contemporary art practice. The early 2000s marked a period of restructuring and reevaluation, culminating in the establishment of the Jakarta Biennale Foundation in 2014, which brought greater institutional stability and a more international outlook.

The biennale's internationalization since 2009 has positioned it within global contemporary art networks while maintaining its distinctively Indonesian perspective and commitments to local context. Throughout these transformations, the Jakarta Biennale has remained a vital force in Indonesia's cultural landscape, nurturing the development of contemporary art practices and providing crucial opportunities for artists, curators, and cultural producers.

50th Anniversary Edition (2024)

The 2024 Jakarta Biennale celebrates 50 years of contemporary Indonesian art with a comprehensive 50-day program from October 1 to November 15. This milestone edition reimagines the biennale's structure through the "lumbung" concept of resource sharing, with 20 art collectives from the Majelis Jakarta (Jakarta Assembly) collaboratively organizing the event without a traditional curatorial team.

Taking place primarily at the Emiria Soenassa and S. Sudjojono galleries in the newly renovated Taman Ismail Marzuki arts complex, the exhibition extends its reach through various satellite venues and public projects throughout Jakarta. This distributed approach reflects the biennale's commitment to accessibility and its engagement with the city's diverse communities.

Key programs include international collaborations such as the Curating Topography Trilogy exploring connections between Jakarta and cities across Asia, solidarity projects with Palestinian art collectives, and the innovative Baku Konek domestic residency program featuring 17 artists and collectives from across Indonesia. Together, these initiatives showcase the Jakarta Biennale's evolution from a national exhibition to a vital node in regional and global artistic exchange.

Featured Artists & Collectives

The Jakarta Biennale has featured numerous significant artists throughout its history, from established Indonesian masters to emerging talents and international figures. The 2024 edition particularly emphasizes collective practice, with numerous artist groups and collaboratives participating.

Melati Suryodarmo

Performance artist and 2017 artistic director known for durational performances exploring memory and cultural identity

Arahmaiani

Pioneering contemporary artist known for socially engaged works addressing gender, religion, and environmental issues

ruangrupa

Jakarta-based artist collective and co-organizer of the 2024 edition's Baku Konek residency program

Dolorosa Sinaga

Sculptor and 2021 artistic director known for works exploring human rights and social justice