Like a puzzle, the Jogja Biennale Archive Exhibition tries to assemble every idea that seems to have been cut off throughout the 10 years of its implementation into a complete picture of the Equator Series. The Biennale Jogja Equator series has been held five times and closed in the sixth series this year.
Successively, since 2011, the Biennale Jogja Equator series brought together Indonesia with India, Arab countries, Nigeria, Brazil, Southeast Asia, and this year with Oceania. This exhibition is part of the Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021, which will be held from October 6 to November 14, 2021.
This long-run is certainly an important point to re-read and reflect on every idea offered. Mainly related to the Biennale Jogja working method which connects itself with one region or one country in each title. This journey along the equator is a joint step to understand the differences and diversity of cultural treasures.
“Exhibiting these archives also means showing post-event stories that don’t usually appear when the exhibition takes place so that audiences can understand how thoughts are maintained, even after the exhibition is over. Some of the archives presented underwent modifications woven into the two keywords ‘transfer of rides’ and ‘playroom’. That’s why we raised the theme Game of the Archive,” said Alia Swastika at the Media Preview of the Biennale Jogja Archive Exhibition at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta on Tuesday (5/10) afternoon.
In addition to displaying archives and documents that were visually designed, said Alia, this exhibition also emphasizes the speculative method for reading history, where there is a direct link between the past and the future. Therefore, the Biennale Jogja invited researchers to see how equatorial countries have specific histories and cultures that are part of the world’s cultural diversity. They are Karen Hardini, Gladhys Elliona, Duls Rumbawa, Arlingga Hari Nugroho, and Ripase Nostanta Br. Purba.
“Through the idea of a playroom, we see this exhibition as a platform for demonstrating the mimicry and simulation of the contestation of power in today’s world, between the north and the south, the local and the global, the traditional and the modern, in an atmosphere of joy and celebration of life, which is also a characteristic of the vibrations of southern society,” said the woman who is also the Director of the Jogja Biennale Foundation.
To realize this idea, the program managers invited six artists with various backgrounds. They are Riyan Kresnandi, Mivubi Team, Xhabarabot, Syahrizal Pahlevi, and Awanda Brima Destia. Meanwhile, the Artistic & Public Program Director is handled by the Sakatoya Community.
They work together to create works that relate to a wide spectrum of exhibition themes, from reading on maps, on speech texts, on the imagination of boundaries and migration, or an imaginary world in virtual treasures.
The Biennale Jogja Equator Series which is carried out continuously, continued Alia, received positive appreciation from international networks. They see that this initiative is an important issue that needs to be expanded in scope or to work with more parties. Therefore, it is important to remind the public about the implementation of the Biennale Jogja Equator Series.
Along with Archive Exhibition, the main exhibition of the Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021 with the theme Root <> Roets was held at the Jogja National Museum. There are also exhibitions of Korea and Taiwan State Chambers, which are held at the Museum and Clay and Indie Art House.
