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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.
The open-air art fair began as a pandemic-era initiative, and soon cemented itself as part of the annual Art Jakarta agenda. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
Art Jakarta Gardens’ main attraction is the aptly-named Sculpture Garden, with more than 30 sculptures on display this year. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
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.
Despite its name, Art Jakarta Gardens 2026 also featured two main tents, allowing visitors to observe artworks in a more climate-controlled setting. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
A total of 26 local and regional galleries took part in the fair. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
Likely owing to its more inclusive approach towards art in public spaces, the fair’s visitors seemed to be more diverse compared to typical locales such as museums and art galleries. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
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.
Yogyakarta-based artist Mulyana, also known as Mangmoel, collaborated with investment platform Bibit for Tentacles of Wealth, connecting the octopus's adaptability with an investment mindset in uncertain times. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
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.
Alongside the artworks, Art Jakarta Gardens also featured a lineup of public performances, such as Swargaloka’s Laku Swargaloka, centered on how cultural knowledge being passed through generations akin to a relay race. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
Sarita Ibnoe’s Bertemu di Tengah explores the issues of movement, identity, and geographical boundaries. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
Agus Nur Amal PM Toh champions oral tradition as a medium of social reflection and humanity through his piece Kisah dari Samudera. (Courtesy of Art Jakarta Gardens)
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.
