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It’s always a treat every time Art Jakarta Gardens rolls around, this time from May 5 to 10. With its open-air setting amid the urban backdrop of skyscrapers, it’s a welcome change of pace from the velvet roped galleries typical of these fairs.
Of course, Art Jakarta Gardens have always featured dedicated tents, partly to accommodate more delicate artworks such as paintings, and partly to offer visitors a respite from the rain or shine that comes with the climate this time of the year.
But the fair’s main attraction has always been the aptly named Sculpture Garden, where more than 30 sculptural works from 26 participating galleries were on display this year.
As always, there were a plethora of sculptures of all styles and subjects, ranging from the whimsical and lighthearted to the brooding and restrained. Something for everyone, perhaps.
One particular sculpture that caught my eye was an anthropomorphic fox, holding in its tiny arms an equally tiny mailbox. Somehow, the little fox made me pause for a moment to consider whether there was a message I haven’t had the chance to send, or the cheery Gmail icon in my phone showing I have about 8,825 unread emails.
Kotak Surat Merah Rui (Rui’s Red Mailbox), presented by Vice & Virtue Gallery, was the work of Yogyakarta-based visual artist duo Amry Cahya and Janur Kilat, also known as Amry x Janur.
The piece, they later told me, represents both memories and longing for the past in exchanging news amidst the technological advances of the modern day. As for Rui the fox, the choice of an omnivorous animal symbolizes “survival and adaptation”, which does highlight the wiliness of foxes out in the wild.
With Rui and other artworks greeting visitors throughout the fair, the duo believed the setting allowed more people to enjoy art and perhaps ponder their meanings in a different, fun way.
This was also reflected in the open-air public programs throughout the week, which included music performances, discussions and performance art sessions, attracting a wide array of visitors that range from aficionados, collectors, to those looking to unwind after a long day in the city center.
What began as a pandemic era initiative has slowly cemented itself as part of Jakarta’s art calendar, perhaps showing the importance of arts in a public space for all to enjoy.
