“Art for Everyone” echoes through Art1 Museum of Art. It’s more than a slogan. It’s the museum’s very philosophy. Designed by Sardjono Sani Art1 Museum of Art was completed in 2011. The building itself is a statement. Its monochromatic white and gray exterior makes it almost invisible. A red steel gate marks the entrance. These colors permeate the museum’s heart. White walls serve as a backdrop. They showcase the artworks on display at Art1 Museum of Art.
Before it was Art1 Museum of Art it was the Mon Decor Gallery. Established in 1983 it was a pioneer in Jakarta’s art scene. Over the years Mon Decor Gallery collected a vast array of artworks. In 2011 Mon Decor Gallery transformed. It expanded into a private museum and art space. It became an art institute supporting Indonesia’s art infrastructure. Then came the relocation to Kemayoran. The spacious 4000 square meter building became Art1 Museum of Art.
In the lobby stands Sunaryo’s commissioned artwork Jeda. It means Crossing Point. This artwork embodies Art1 Museum of Art’s vision. It shows the integration of art people and structure. This integration inspired the Art1 Museum of Art logo.
Art Space: 1 exists to showcase young artists. It helps them promote their work. They guide them into the professional art world. This includes collaborations and representation. They do this through projects exhibitions and art fairs.
Art1 New Museum showcases Indonesia’s finest artists. A trustworthy research team validates them. This team works within a non-profit organization. They promote a better understanding. They share important artists and their works. They promote Indonesian art developments and history.
Consider Ivan Sagita’s I fulfilled myself. It speaks to feelings of emptiness. Sagita suggests that self-love can fill that void. Then Ugy Sugiarto’s Trapped explores boundaries. Sugiarto believes self-rejection is life’s greatest trap.
The Permanent Collection features works like Indieguerillas’ I Painted My History. Also M Irfan’s Cikal and I Made Sikadana’s Barong & Naga. These artworks often contain social commentary. They act as signals during critical times. They speak out against injustice. Artists express these messages through symbols and abstractions.
Altje Ully a female sculptor challenges norms. Her doll sculptures defy expectations. Clad in tight clothes and boots they represent defiance. Ully’s creations reflect her own journey. She transitioned from meditative figures to those standing on their own.
Budi Ubrux is a progressive Indonesian artist. His Monolog Kesenjangan critiques social issues. The painting features figures mummified in newsprint. Ubrux’s work reflects disappointment in prevalent ideologies.
M Reggie Aquara’s Heavy Soul explores healing. Aquara encourages viewers to embrace unusual imaginative thoughts. Yayat Surya’s Konfirgurasi merah diatas putih uses color. Red symbolizes love passion and courage. White represents innocence and purity.
Art1 Museum of Art is more than a museum. It’s a place for learning. It’s a place for expression. It’s a place for everyone to experience art. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. On Sunday it is open from 10 am to 4 pm. It is closed on Mondays and national holidays. Remember to check out the current exhibitions. Each visit promises a new artistic journey.