Through Motif: Amalan, ARTJOG 2025 Redefines Artistic Practices Beyond Merit

When we speak of arts & culture, the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, often comes to mind. Named “Special Region of Yogyakarta,” the city is indeed special with the vast artistic scenes found across the region. In short – Yogyakarta breathes art, and of course, it wouldn’t be complete with the appearance of arts exhibitions. Renowned arts exhibition ARTJOG resurfaces this year from June 20, 2025 until August 31, 2025 under the theme Motif: Amalan. Join EnVi as we find out more about ARTJOG 2025! 

Exploring Motif: Amalan

Concluding its Motif trilogy, designed in collaboration with curator Hendro Wiyanto since 2023, ARTJOG centers its focus on art forms that champion collective well-being, operating with strong ethical and social intentions.

ARTJOG curator Hendro Wiyanto explained: “The theme of Motif: Amalan itself is intended to reread the artistic practice and function of artwork, in addition to containing aesthetic value. Meanwhile, when the function of art is questioned, it is often already envisioned as an action. The meaning of Amalan in this theme is not only limited to the dictionary definition that emphasizes the ‘cliche’ of merit, but rather a practical act of the artist as an active subject in the context of aesthetics, social, politics, and so on. With this, artwork can be seen as a ‘gift’ for the good of life together beyond the calculation of profit and loss and often cannot be measured in value.” 

Wiyanto also mentioned that although the form of art practice cannot be seen clearly, the artists always strive to create common good through their works. “When practice is interpreted more loosely, it aims to give us fully what we can do… Artwork is not an empty imagination, but an aesthetic belief of an action that can be the basis for all decisions… Although the practice of the work of art does not look exactly the same, the imagination of it (art) will encourage a real action. We still believe that art will continue to exist, to inspire us all, even to criticize anything that is not in accordance with the old ideals of common good and justice,” he explained. 

In his cultural oration during the opening of ARTJOG2025, Culturist Garin Nugroho highlighted art’s significant contribution to building human centric civilizations through its imaginative power.

“The imagination of works of art is to various extraordinary things, an extraordinary wealth owned by humans… When people enter a museum or gallery, they can recognize small feelings of humanity. And the cultivation of space and time appears, which makes humans grow. Therefore, a nation that does not support museums or art galleries will give birth to leaders who do not understand the concept of time and space for their people. And when leaders do not understand that concept, then all kinds of destruction will take place.” – Garin Nugroho

The event wrapped up with a speech and opening ceremony led by Sunaryo, artist and founder of Selasar Sunaryo Art Space. In his address, he highlighted how an art festival transcends a mere aesthetic celebration, serving as a powerful catalyst for boosting the local economy and tourism instead. Sunaryo also stressed the vital need for active community involvement and synergistic government support. This, he explained, is crucial for fostering the understanding that art is no longer exclusive to certain circles but can indeed address and meet the needs of everyone.

As a token of ARTJOG’s appreciation for his significant role and contributions to the development of Indonesian fine arts, Sunaryo was presented with a Pohon Hayat memento.

Meet ARTJOG 2025’s Events! 

The main exhibition at ARTJOG 2025 deeply integrates the Motif: Amalan theme by prominently featuring commissioned artists Anusapati from Yogyakarta and REcycle-EXPerience from Bandung.Anusapati’s installation, “SECRET OF EDEN,” powerfully addresses environmental crises resulting from widespread deforestation and mining. In a world increasingly detached from nature, Anusapati bridges this divide by using reclaimed dead trees and wood as his primary medium. Enhancing this piece, sound artist Tony Maryana contributes a sonic response, creating a fresh cognitive and perceptual experience for viewers.

Meanwhile, the ARTJOG Kids program showcases REcycle-EXPerience, demonstrating how experimental and playful approaches can tackle inorganic waste from industrial products that eventually become household refuse. To foster a sense of community and care, an interactive installation titled “The love for all living creatures” invites visitors to donate used toys as part of the artwork. Children can also participate in REcycle-EXPerience’s art-making workshops by bringing their own inorganic waste to assemble into new creations during the sessions.

Beyond the commissioned artists, the Special Project program presents diverse art projects from Murakabi Movement (Yogyakarta), ruangrupa (Jakarta), and DEVFTO Printmaking Institute (Bali).

The Murakabi Movement introduces a collaborative and interactive learning-based art project that re-examines the concept of shared living spaces. Their work, “Tanah Air βeta,” incorporates stone waste from construction that serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of sustainable life cycles and encourages us to rethink our relationship with land, water, and one another.

ruangrupa has transformed its exhibition area into a communal learning space, prioritizing local contexts and participant needs. Drawing inspiration from Ki Hajar Dewantara‘s Perguruan Taman Siswa and founded in Yogyakarta in 1922, ruangrupa implements a non-linear learning model that emphasizes collaboration between mentors and participants. Eleven selected participants will pair with mentors from various fields, including fine arts, film, music, architecture, and economics, experiencing a learning process that extends beyond traditional classrooms. Each participant is expected to complete one artwork for exhibition at ruangrupa’s 25th-anniversary celebration in Jakarta this October.

The DEVFTO Printmaking Institute, a graphic arts studio established in Bali by Devy Ferdianto in 2021, brings its practice and dedication to advancing printmaking within fine arts to ARTJOG. Through collaborations and presentations of works by renowned artists, DEVFTO’s presence not only highlights their contributions to graphic artists but also invites the public to explore the evolution of the graphic arts world. 

To foster interdisciplinary collaboration, ARTJOG introduces a new program called Spotlight. This year, it features an installation by renowned Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, commemorating his 20-year career in acting. Developed with various acclaimed artists and creators, the project draws inspiration from the ancient Greek concept of Eudaimonia, where true happiness derives from meaningful pursuits. The installation symbolizes achieving life balance and marks Reza Rahadian’s continuous journey as an actor towards new achievements that benefit many.

Alongside the main exhibition, ARTJOG 25’s performance program performa•ARTJOG will present weekly performances fully supported by the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation. Other than open-call performers, performa•ARTJOG has specially commissioned Bottlesmoker (Bandung) and Rumah Atsiri Indonesia to translate the Motif: Amalan theme through performance art. The program also partners with several show producers for special performances: Garasi Performance Institute presents works by performance artist Ishvara Devati and the art and agriculture community Lembana Artgroecosystem; Liquid Architecture features performances by Tralala Blip (a group of disabled musicians from New South Wales); and IFI Yogyakarta showcases performances by electronic music project Ko Shin Moon and Rouge.

ARTJOG 2025 – Motif: Amalan will continue to offer its full suite of supporting programs, including the Young Artist Award, Exhibition Tour, Meet the Artist, Love ARTJOG, Artcare Indonesia, and Jogja Art Weeks. This year also promises a more vibrant Merchandise Project, featuring exciting collaborations with various artists, creators, and brands.

ARTJOG entrance tickets can be purchased through the website and the ticket counter on-site for Rp80,000.00 (adults) and Rp50,000.00 (children). Further information regarding the schedule and programs can be accessed through ARTJOG’s social media and website. See you at ARTJOG 2025! 

Visiting Yogyakarta soon? Read EnVi’s piece on Yogyakarta’s Royal Palace’s Exhibition here!