Project Manager, Geneviève Couteau, The Orient and Beyond, solo exhibition, The National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta

The exhibition Geneviève Couteau: The Orient and Beyond, held at the National Gallery of Indonesia from January 24 to February 14, 2018, showcased the works of French painter Geneviève Couteau (1925–2013). Organised by Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI) in collaboration with partners, and curated by her writer-curator son, Dr. Jean Couteau, the exhibition highlighted Couteau's artistic journey through Asia, particularly her deep engagement with Balinese cultures during her visit to Bali in the early 1970s.​

Couteau's art is distinguished by a universal and multi-layered perspective, offering a nuanced alternative to the predominantly male Western artists who depicted Bali in the early 20th century, and Western portrayals of Indonesian culture in general. Her focus was not on exoticizing the human form but on capturing the introspective and spiritual essence of her subjects, especially Balinese women. This approach provided a fresh lens through which to view Balinese life and culture.​

As the Project Manager of the exhibition Amanda’s role centered on production, logistics, and technical execution. She collaborated closely with the curator to ensure the curator's artistic vision was accurately translated into the exhibition. From managing timelines to coordinating transportation and overseeing installation, Amanda ensures that all technical aspects align with the exhibition's artistic goals, allowing for a successful presentation and meaningful exhibition experience for the audience.

Also part of the exhibition is the Post-Orientalism and Cultural Appropriation symposium held at the National Gallery of Indonesia.

About Geneviève Couteau

Geneviève Couteau (1925-2013) was a French painter, writer, and theater set and costume designer celebrated for her spiritually infused, humanistic artworks that bridged European modernism and Southeast Asian cultural traditions. A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in Nantes, she gained early acclaim in Paris, notably winning the Prix Lafont Noir et Blanc in 1952. Her travel journey led her to Southeast Asia in the late 1960s, where she was inspired by the cultures of Laos and Bali. In Bali, she developed a distinctive style, often depicting Balinese women and spiritual figures with a deep sense of empathy and mysticism. Her works challenge Western stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of femininity, humanism, and spirituality.

About Dr. Jean Couteau (Exhibition Curator and Writer)

Dr. Jean Couteau is a French-born cultural historian, art critic, editor, curator, and writer who has lived in Bali since the early 1970s and is widely regarded as one of the foremost observers and interpreters of Balinese culture. With a Ph.D. in art history and iconography from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris, he has authored numerous influential books on Balinese art, rituals, and society, as well as books on Indonesian artists. Couteau is also a regular contributor to national publications like Kompas and NOW! Bali, and has taught at the Institut Seni Indonesia Denpasar. Known for his multidimensional insights and accessible writing, he continues to document and reflect on Bali’s evolving cultural identity amidst modern transformation.

About the National Gallery of Indonesia (Galeri Nasional Indonesia)

Founded in 1999, Galeri Nasional Indonesia (GNI) is a modern and contemporary art institution under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Located at Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14, Central Jakarta, GNI serves as a center for the preservation, development, and appreciation of Indonesian and international fine arts. Learn more about the National Gallery of Indonesia on gni.kemendikbud.co.id or @galerinasional on Instagram.