Indonesian artwork in spotlight at World Economic Forum

By Dini S. Djalal

JAKARTA (JP): When the 1,700 guests of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meet in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 31, Indonesia's delegation is hoping that the gathering won't be just another excuse for talking shop.

As the hosts of Indonesia Night, the cultural evening jointly put together by the Indonesian Fine Arts Foundation and the Investment Coordinating Board, they hope that the audience, consisting of at least 20 heads of state and 100 state ministers, will also talk about Indonesia as a cultural treasure.

Indonesia is the only country in the cultural spotlight this year, following Tunisia last year and India the year before. But what separates this year's song-and-dance routine from other cultural shows is Indonesia's insistence on holding an exclusively Indonesian art exhibition -- a first for both WEF and Indonesia.

"Usually, the artwork featured in the exhibit at Davos comes from everywhere, but the Indonesian Arts Foundation approached the WEF and asked if all the art could come from Indonesia," explained Ibu Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo, the wife of State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Fine Arts Foundation. How did she convince them to agree? "Well, the WEF Committee came here, saw the art and the artists, and said `yes'," she explained. Indonesia Night, and Indonesian Modern Art and Beyond, the book accompanying the exhibition, was launched Tuesday at the Regent Ballroom.

It was, and will be, an evening of traditional songs and dances, as well as a fashion show by batik artist Iwan Tirta and embroidery master Ramli. No stranger to international exhibits and fashion shows, Iwan Tirta is unfazed by the WEF event.

"It's good exposure, sure. Businessmen love to see pretty girls," said Tirta. "But my real big show will be in Paris, where I'm showing 50 new gowns."

For the WEF show, Tirta is presenting a luxury collection of prada (gold) batik gowns, many of which will be sporting the look of the moment: one-shouldered asymmetry.

But the real beneficiaries of the show will be Indonesia's art world. "This is not an international art event, but a lot of decisionmakers will be present there," said Jim Supangkat, art critic, curator and author of Indonesian Modern Art and Beyond. The book was co-published by Pelita Harapan University in Lippo Karawaci, owned by the Lippo Group. Supangkat adds that the WEF is renowned for its high appreciation of art. "The president of the WEF, Klaus Schwarz, believes that economic diplomacy has to follow cultural aspects, so in 1990, he organized the Global Art Forum. The WEF is unlike other economic forums. The Indonesian art exhibit will not be just a sideshow," said Supangkat. Two years ago, internationally acclaimed Frank Stella was the featured artist at Davos.

Astari Rasjid, director at the Indonesian Fine Arts Foundation, agrees that the WEF is a good opportunity to boost Indonesian art. "It's strictly exposure, but it's good exposure," said Astari. Realizing the different esthetics of the international art community, the foundation was careful in choosing the works to be displayed. "They like simple, minimalist art, not just decorative art. We knew their level of appreciation and arranged the exhibit according to their taste," said Astari.

But the foundation is not shying away from showcasing artwork reflecting the concerns of Indonesia's contemporary artists, many of whom dwell on themes of social and economic inequity. Supangkat said Dede Eri Supria, whose work Labyrinth is part of the six-artist exhibit, "has critical aspects in his work". The other artists featured in the show are Srihadi Sudarsono, Ida Hadjar, and sculptors Nyoman Nuarta, Edith Ratna and Anusapati.

Supangkat adds that his book further delves into the complexities of the Indonesian art scene. "Many foreigners don't know that traditional art as a unitary entity does not exist in Indonesia. We have more than 300 cultures and hence, just as many art traditions," said Supangkat.

Works illustrating social and economic injustices are part of this diversity, and are integral to the development of contemporary Indonesian art. But Supangkat clarifies that such art is not unique to this era, and has long been a channel of expression for the downtrodden. "Art showing social concern has been around since before the republic and during the nationalist era. Social criticism was always there," said Supangkat.

Indeed, the entire cultural festival would not have been possible without corporate and government sponsorship. Among the hosts of the show are State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo, Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution Hartarto, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, and President Soeharto's daughter Siti Hediati Harijadi, who commented to The Jakarta Post that the purpose of the show is "to show Indonesia's cultural wealth". Sculptor Dolorosa Sinaga, whose works are also on exhibit at the Regent, said, "I guess having influential government people behind the art scene makes things happen a lot easier."

Ibu Sanyoto says her patronage is a labor of love. "I went to art school when I was younger, but my life became busy," she said. "My appreciation for art is still there though, and it helps that my husband likes art too."