Power and other things. Indonesia & Art (1835-now)

Power and other things. Indonesia & Art (1835-now)
EUROPALIA ARTS FESTIVAL: INDONESIA (10 October 2017 to 21 January 2018)

This exhibition takes you on a journey through Indonesia’s turbulent history, from the Dutch colony and Japanese occupation to today. Through the eyes of four 19th and 20th century artists you see how the arts gradually evolved. In the work of contemporary artists such as Agung Kurniawan, Wendelien van Oldenborgh, Ana Torfs and many others you discover how trade, culture, religion and war are inextricably linked in Indonesia.

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Every two years, EUROPALIA invites adventurous arts lovers to discover the history and culture of a different country. From 10 October 2017 to 21 January 2018, it is Indonesia’s turn to be in the spotlights. Well beyond the clichés of paradisiacal beaches and majestic temples, this country is now in full economical and artistic bloom. As during the previous editions, BOZAR will welcome the festival’s two main exhibitions. Discover in Ancestors the splendour of ancient ancestor rituals through archaeological and ethnographical treasures, through contemporary creations and archive material. Power and other things offers a unique overview of the last three centuries of the Indonesian history, as seen through the eyes of Indonesian and European artists. Add to this a rich mix of traditional and contemporary Indonesian music, dance, literature and cinema, and you will discover this fascinating country in an original and nuanced way.