Writer, Capturing the Nowness in Indonesian Contemporary Art, essay for Indonesian Contemporary Art and Design (ICAD) catalogue

Held from 28 October to 21 November 2021, the ICAD XI curated by Hafiz Rancajale sheds light on the theme “PUBLIK” as an indispensable element to art, sparking attention and discussion on how the connection between a work of art and its public can be interrelated. Believing in the importance of the public as a viewer, user, consumer, and trend-setter, ICAD XI encourages participating artists and designers to respond to the current times through speculative ideas of what might be relevant to the public post-pandemic. As creators, what possible futures can we imagine? What changes can we foresee taking place in our everyday lives and how can art and design respond to it?

In Capturing the Nowness in Indonesian Contemporary Art, Amanda explores how the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects such as lockdowns and social restrictions have forced artists to reflect on their creative practices. The choice between “quitting” or “continuing to work” roamed their minds–continuing to work means needing to shift into new ways that are adaptive to the changing conditions.

Amanda shows how artists from various countries in Asia (Japan, Philippines, Myanmar, China, Singapore) were facing this challenge with various artistic approaches–from collage, experimental cinema, social media, digital documentary, to geopolitical projects. The digital medium and the internet become crucial during the uncertain time, not only as a means of distribution, but also as a space for existence, reflection, and even resistance. In the midst of physical and social limitations, art becomes a means to “breathe”, archive experiences, and explore new realities–both personal, social, and political. The art world continues to move, change, and adapt to the times.

About Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design (ICAD)

Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design (ICAD) bridges art and design from interior design, product design, architecture, visual communication, with other disciplines ranging from fashion, film, hospitality, technology, F&B and more. It is the first and only platform which initiates the collaboration between these various disciplines.

Held for the first time in 2009, ICAD has become a large-scale exhibition, promoting design and contemporary art in Indonesia, as well as embracing the nation's diversity of cultural expressions. Each exhibition features multidisciplinary creatives, ranging from senior contemporary artists to young creators, collectives, or communities working in art, design, music, culture, and new materials. Their works are divided into five (5) categories: Special Appearance, In Focus, Featured, Open Submission, and Collaboration. (arturaicad.com)