MADE BY EMTE

In association with the Australia Indonesia Art Forum, 

16albermarle Project Space, Indo Art Link and Project Eleven

 

Curated by John Cruthers

31 October – 12 December 2020 

16albermarle Project Space 

Sydney, Australia

 

 

Including works by 30 artists from Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia Calling 2020 paints a picture of life in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The contemporary art in Indonesia calling 2020 is made in response to the pandemic’s impact on each artist’s practice, community and the country as a whole. Indonesia is among the 30 countries most affected by the pandemic, with the World Health Organisation confirming 257,388 cases as of Friday 25 September 2020. By presenting a picture of life on the ground in Indonesia, the exhibition aims to raise awareness in Australia and to encourage aid initiatives in any form. All proceeds from art sales will go back to the artists and their communities.

 

The title Indonesia calling 2020 echoes an Australian documentary Indonesia calling, directed by Joris Ivens in 1946. The film describes a great effort by both Australians and Indonesians to refuse the service of Dutch ships containing arms and ammunition destined for Indonesia to suppress the country’s independence movement.

 

Inspired by a similar camaraderie, Indonesia calling 2020 is our way to lend a helping hand to the Indonesian people. It hopes to parallel historic efforts where small groups of concerned Australians were able to activate within their sphere of influence to contribute to larger efforts to support the Indonesian people.

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Presented by the Australia Indonesia Art Forum, Indonesia calling 2020 is a partnership between 16albermarle Project Space, Project Eleven and Indo Art Link - three entities which have been invested for several years in building a connection between the arts and artists in Indonesia and Australia. The exhibition aims to strengthen links within their networks while supporting artists, who in turn support their communities within the close-knit Indonesian art scene.

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The project comprises both a gallery exhibition, curated and including 30 leading artists, at 16albermarle Project Space, and an online presentation, Pasar Seni, and working with Indonesian art collectives.