Indonesia's first contemporary art museum — the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN) — opens this month, and its inauguration signals a new wave of appreciation for art. “There’s been an emergence of artists and collectors,” says Deborah Iskandar, founder of ISA Art Advisory, a Jakarta-based consultancy firm. “Contemporary artists like Arin Dwihartanto, Sinta Tantra and Naufal Abshar have gained recognition. Their artworks carry Western sensibilities, putting them on … [Read more...]
RI SING 50
RI and S'pore celebrate golden years of diplomatic relationship in a contemporary arts exhibition. This particular month, Jakarta is being the seat of an arts exhibition showcasing the creations of contemporary artists from Singapore and Indonesia. The exhibition is a one-month event held from 12 September until 12 October 2017 at the Lobby Gallery of World Trade Center (WTC) 2. The exhibition is jointly organized by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and PT Jakarta Land and ISA Art Advisory, and … [Read more...]
In A Blink – hotel design as art
Words: Aulia R. Sungkar Originally published in JPlus of The Jakarta Post on August 13, 2016 Entering its second decade, Blink Design Group has reached great heights in the world of hospitality design, working with luxury hotel brands such as Alila, Conrad, Jumeirah, Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental, Regent, Rosewood and Six Senses. Hotel designer and creative director Clint Nagata founded the firm in 2006 in Bangkok with a staff of 20. Flash-forward to today, and … [Read more...]
$30.1 million for Andy Warhol’s ‘selfie’
Before there was the “selfie,” there was the self-portrait. And a series of six made by Andy Warhol sold for US$30.1 million in New York on Wednesday, May 14th, according to The Associated Press. According to Sotheby's, the portraits were first shown in 1986 at Warhol’s only show dedicated to self-portraits. London gallery owner Anthony D’Offay recalls in the series catalog: "I realised two things: first that Warhol was without question the greatest portrait painter of the 20th century, … [Read more...]
An art tour shows Vietnamese history in full color
Five years in Ho Chi Minh City, working as a hotel manager in the city once named Saigon, I’ve explored this city’s alleys, its boulevards, its riverfront, its museums, pagodas, temples, churches and palaces. I’ve pieced together a pretty solid picture of Vietnamese history. I know what events followed each other, as well as the crucial names, dates and figures along the way, and even some of the lesser-known details peppering the country’s past. But what I didn’t know much of were the … [Read more...]
Auspicious rebranding
Re-identify your life’s journey through 2014 Chinese zodiac By Chris Andre Chinese zodiac has been in existence for hundreds of years. Yet little do we know what it truly holds for our personal benefits. Despite the pros and cons, heeding some advice from the auspicious reading doesn’t really hurt. Here’s the Chinese zodiac 101 and the current prediction over love, luck, financial condition and physical wellness. The four pillars Contrary to the prevalent belief, the Chinese zodiac … [Read more...]
Jakarta Welcomes New Art Hotel Concept
Artotel Indonesia hotel chain unveils its second property in Jakarta following the success of the first Artotel in Surabaya. Strategically located in close proximity to commercial and business districts, Artotel Jakarta Thamrin on Jalan Sunda has recently opened its doors to public. Playing on the words “Art” and “Hotel”, Artotel features contemporary art-influenced designs in the lobby, public areas and hotel rooms. The designs are created by local artists as part of the hotel’s efforts … [Read more...]
From Warhol with Love
From 12 to 24 September 2013, Sotheby’s Hong Kong will host a selling exhibition of Andy Warhol works, From Warhol, With Love, from S|2 - the private sale and gallery arm of Sotheby’s global Contemporary Art department, offering exceptional works of art through unique and important exhibitions throughout the world. Primarily devoted to the artist’s works on paper, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity to see a wide range of works that act as a window into the mind of the Pop genius. From … [Read more...]
Helsinki: The Design Capital
To the Finns, design is much more than just something pretty – after all, Helsinki was the 2012 World Design Capital. It was no surprise when on a recent visit I saw finessed design elements in rudimentary items from the forksI ate with, glasses I drank from, to chic haircuts and personal street style. They seemed to be designed effortlessly with a bit of fun and whimsy thrown in. “What surprised me the most about my visit to Finland is that Finnish design is not just something that … [Read more...]
Gamelan: is it game over?
Can this traditional Indonesian musical ensemble continue to mark the rhythms of human life? Words: Aulia R. Sungkar Photography: M.I. Mappasenge Jetstar Asia Magazine, June 2013 NEW PASSION Despite fears that the popularity of gamelan is fading in Indonesia, Kenthus notices that this Javanese ensemble has attracted more and more foreigners, such as those from the US, Australia and Japan. But will this be enough to keep it going? Only time will tell. Literally meaning … [Read more...]