That’s a wrap for the latest edition of Art Jakarta art fair! After a successful run from October 4 to 6, 2024, at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Art Jakarta has reinforced its status not only as the largest art fair in Southeast Asia, bringing together 73 galleries from Indonesia, Southeast Asia and beyond, but also as a vibrant contemporary art platform in Southeast Asia. With its blend of local talent, international galleries, and engaging installations, the fair successfully spotlighted the region’s dynamic art scene while offering a diverse showcase of contemporary art that captivated both collectors and the public alike.
The fair opened with a performance by Trust Orchestra, and attendees included representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Day one highlights included a VIP Preview, followed by the Vernissage, a live performance by rapper Matter Mos, and the premiere of Erwin Damali’s film, “The Mother of Indonesian Artists,” a documentary about the journey of art collector Dr. Melani Setiawan.
Fair director and art collector Tom Tandio remarked that “Art Jakarta is holding its 14th edition this year, and we are proud to collaborate with more partners to showcase a greater number of intriguing art installations and more contextualised artworks that will entice audiences and offer them a unique experience. We are also pleased to welcome 73 galleries, many of which are returning from last year, along with five additional galleries. We believe that this expanded partnership highlights the Fair’s growth and the trust we have earned from stakeholders in the art scene.”
The fair featured contributions from key sponsors. Julius Baer, a lead partner, presented a special exhibition by Indonesian artist Sunaryo. UOB Indonesia, another major partner, showcased works from across Southeast Asia, while Bibit and Stockbit collaborated with artist Cinanti A. Johansjah and collective Rajut Kejut on an installation highlighting themes of persistence and growth. Treasury, another supporter, featured the artwork “Post Tenebras Lux,” focusing on the impact of collective actions.
Over the course of the three days, Art Jakarta 2024’s diverse range of installations captured the imagination of attendees. SUPERMUSIC’s “Super Art Box” blended art and music, while Smeg’s “Frigorifero d’arte (Refrigerators of Art),” created in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, transformed refrigerators into hand-painted works of art. Interactive pieces like Roca’s “Naked Tone” by this/PLAY and iForte’s “DataFlesh” by artist Eldwin Pradipta offered dynamic experiences, engaging visitors in new ways.
In addition to the gallery exhibitions, Art Jakarta 2024 included its signature programs. AJ SPOT featured large-scale public installations, and AJX gave visitors the chance to view private and institutional collections, many on display for the first time. The AJ SCENE section highlighted artist collectives and their works, while AJ TALK sessions fostered meaningful discussions between artists, curators, and collectors.
Overall, Art Jakarta 2024 not only celebrated the region’s artistic diversity and innovation, but also strengthened its role as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange through a rich blend of local and international talent, immersive installations, and collaborative programs. As it continues to evolve and expand, Art Jakarta sets a compelling stage for the future of contemporary art in the region.
