Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021 is officially opened. The art exhibition and various supporting activities that bring together Indonesia and Oceania will be held from 6 October to 14 November 2021 in a hybrid, offline manner with strict health protocols and through online means via https://biennalejogja.org/.
To welcome the biennial art event, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X praised its consistent series of theme implementation the past 10 years through the Equator Series.
According to him, the theme Equator becomes a platform for ideas as well as geographical, geological, ecological, ethnographic, historical, and political landmarks that share the identity of former colonies.
“This area promises many interesting aspects to explore due to its diversity that reflects the cultural richness of the people,” said the number one person in Yogyakarta in his speech via video at the Opening Ceremony of the Biennale XVI Equator #6 2021 at the Jogja National Museum (JNM) on Wednesday (06/10/2020) evening.
Biennale Jogja, according to HB X, reaffirms the title of Yogyakarta as a city of culture, a city of education, and the city of tourism. And also as a good entertainment media without losing its cultural values and roots.
The concept of Biennale Jogja, which always involves other countries, has also received appreciation from the Director-General of Culture, Dr. Hilmar Farid. According to him, this shows that our nation’s artistic ideas are exploring and influencing other nations.
“There was a great effort to bring our situation today in thought and exhibition. During the pandemic, organizing this exhibition emphasizes that openness and modesty are not only a virtue but also a necessity for survival. Hopefully, it can inspire our art in the future,” he said.
But Hilmar Farid reminded us that this is not to seek pride and novelty, but also to become critical of one’s self and improve.
Seeing the contribution of the Biennale Jogja through the years, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy H. Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, B.B.A., M.B.A. gave his appreciation. Biennale Jogja managed to encourage Indonesian to be more involved in collaborating with various countries on the equator regarding the development of global arts and culture.
“This Biennale Jogja XVI is a reflection for the government in providing an artistic and cultural space and attractive to tourists so that it can encourage regional economic movement. And the Biennale Jogja can be one of the pillars,” said the former Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta.
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In her remarks, the Director of Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021, Gintani Nur Apresia Swastika, reported her efforts in preparing for the big event.
Gintani said that this event involved 34 artists and communities from various regions and countries, such as Yogyakarta, Central Java, East Java, West Java, Tangerang Ambon, Jayapura, North Maluku, New Caledonia, Auckland, New Zealand, Australia, Timor Leste, Netherlands, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea.
Along with the exhibition, more than 70 accompanying agendas were presented. Almost every day there will be agenda to support and kickstart the exhibition.
“Considering the number of artists and activities held, we divided the exhibition activities into 4 locations, namely the Jogja National Museum as the main exhibition venue, with the theme Roots<>Routes, then the Biennale Jogja Archive Exhibition at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, which summarized the ideas and dynamics throughout 10 years of organizing the Biennale Jogja Equator series and presenting the Equator Museum. Other exhibitions are the Korean and Taiwan State Chambers at the Museum and Clay and the Indie Art House,” said Gintani Nur Apresia Swastika.
The opening of the event was marked by several officials simultaneously opening the curtains covering the image bearing the theme of Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021, Roots <> Routes.
The event continued with seeing the works of the artists in the showroom at JNM. After that, the visitors watched a performance by Mother Bank Band, Nova Ruth, and Asep Nanyak.
