The art scene in Jakarta will once again bloom as Art Jakarta Gardens returns to Hutan Kota by Plataran from 22 to 27 April 2025. Entering its fourth edition, this open-air fair has steadily carved out a place for itself in Indonesia’s art and cultural sphere. This year, 25 galleries from across Indonesia will take part, with artworks exhibited in specially constructed tents and within the Sculpture Garden—a standout element of the fair that continues to draw attention.
First initiated in 2022 as a pandemic-era response, Art Jakarta Gardens has since held its ground, growing into a format that combines curated artistic expression with Jakarta’s increasingly rare pockets of green space. Among the sculptures on show this year are “Sit on the Bench” by King Saladeen (Museum of Toys), “Emotional Safeguard” by Agugn and Sekar Puti (Srisasanti Gallery), and “Keep Rolling!” by Iwan Suastika (D Gallerie), alongside works by a diverse slate of contemporary sculptors including Yani Mariani, Yunizar, and Dzikra A.N. The pieces vary in form, material, and thematic approach, offering an eclectic look into the state of Indonesian contemporary sculpture.
While the event retains its aesthetic appeal, its underlying message is not just about art for art’s sake. As Fair Director Tom Tandio puts it, this edition aims to “foster a deeper public appreciation for art” by expanding not only in size but also in programming. The public programme, which includes music and performance art, reflects an increasing interest in cross-disciplinary collaboration—an indicator of how creative industries in Indonesia continue to navigate and negotiate their place in the broader socio-economic narrative.
This year’s edition is bolstered by the return of its Lead Partners—Bibit, Treasury, and BCA—each presenting special installations that reflect, in their own way, the intersection of commerce, creativity, and contemporary sensibilities. Bibit’s collaboration with artist Abenk Alter presents “Flower for the Future”, an interactive installation reflecting themes of hope and collective intent. Treasury teams up with Arkiv Vilmansa for “Golden Age”, an exploration of value and permanence through the symbol of gold. Meanwhile, BCA enters the fold with “myBCA Space”, an installation built around interactivity and brand identity, underscored by architectural play with shadows and light.
Beyond these, additional contributions from Main Partners such as iForte and the RMHC Foundation add to the fair’s layered texture. iForte’s “Twinkle-gize”, created with ThisPlay Studio, stands out for its use of solar power, while RMHC’s “Unboxing Love” invites visitors to reconsider acts of generosity and social care in the art world.
The fair’s infrastructural considerations haven’t gone unnoticed either. TACO, known for its durable interior solutions, supports the help desk and sculpture plinths, highlighting how the logistics of art presentation often require as much attention as the work itself. LUAR, with its minimalist outdoor furniture, ensures that visitors can experience the event in relative comfort, it is a small but telling nod to audience care.
Performance remains a central strand of the fair, with this year’s highlights including sets by FLOAT, Sal Priadi, and R E M (Rien Djamain, Ermy Kulit, and Margie Segers), facilitated by the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation and RURUradio Lounge. The performance art programme brings “A Song for Sangiran 17” by Prehistoric Body Theater, blending anthropology, embodiment, and contemporary movement in a work that bridges the ancient and the current.
In terms of structure, the fair is split into two main tents. TENT A includes galleries such as A+ Works of Art, RUCI Art Space, and Galeri Zen1, while TENT B hosts familiar names like Gajah Gallery, CAN’S Gallery, and Semarang Gallery. The spread of exhibitors speaks to a healthy, if modest, cross-section of the Indonesian gallery landscape.
As always, the fair opens with a VIP-only preview on Tuesday, 22 April, before welcoming the general public from Wednesday onwards.
For more information visit artjakarta.com
