MES 56 at “Re.claim” Group Exhibition, Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jakarta

Re.claim brings together 63 of Indonesia’s most notable artists from Bali, Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta and overseas. Featuring new work based on the personal and often biographical archives of the artists, the exhibition reminds us of the potential for archival material to rescue, regenerate and redeem historical evidence, memory and identity. Through visual declarations, asserted facts and simulated narratives within the work, the artists explore their personal stories, desires and interests. Presented in conjunction with the launch of the 4-volume books “Indonesian Art World 1977-2011” documenting Dr. Melani Setiawan’s collection of over 45,000 photographs, the show offers a fresh look at the personal passions of artists changing the face of contemporary Indonesian art today.

MES 56 presents archival photo books made by each members and some series of MES 56’s selected collective works and projects. The exhibition takes place at Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14, Jakarta. Opens from Sunday, April 8 and will be on view through Wednesday, April 20, 2012. There will be a discussion on 8th April 2012 with Jim Supangkat (art critic and curator) Wiyu Wahono (art collector) Nicola Trezzi (editor of Flash Art magazine).