The Great Indonesia Exhibition in Amsterdam: the Impressive Story of the World's Largest Archipelago

ME.TALK - ​In Amsterdam runs 'The Great Indonesia Exhibition'. This exhibition focuses on the history of Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, its inhabitants and unparalled wealth of distinctive cultures. 'The Great Indonesia Exhibition' will run for six months, until 1 April 2024. Although there have already been many exhibitions about Indonesia in the Netherlands, this exhibition is special.

- by Hanan

Previous exhibitions often focused on specific periods or art-historical themes from Indonesia's long history. This exhibition at 'De Nieuwe Kerk' in Amsterdam tells a bigger story, from a contemporary perspective.

This exhibition provides an overview of the important history and rich culture of Indonesia and its people over the centuries, from the heyday of the legendary Majapahit Empire, the colonial rule that opposed Indonesian independence and the Second World War to the revolution and proclamation of the republic by Sukarno, the era of Suharto, and Indonesia in today's era with all its challenges.

Read more under the photo

More than 300 objects will be on display, ranging from centuries-old archaeological finds, sculptures, historical documents and applied art to masks, wajang puppets, textiles, jewellery and fashion, as well as paintings, photographs and films.

An extensive contemporary art collection is at the heart of the exhibition. There will be works by Alfiah Rahdini (1990, Bandung), Citra Sasmita (1990, Bali), Eko Nugroho (1977, Yogyakarta), FX Harsono (1949, Jakarta), Heri Dono (1960, Jakarta), Timoteus Anggawan Kusno (1989, Yogyakarta) and many others.

​This exhibition not only collaborates with various communities in Indonesia and the Netherlands but also with many historians, students, artists, museum experts, archivists, collectors, writers and eyewitnesses. This exhibition was possible thanks to the exchange of knowledge and stories.

MORE ABOUT
INDONESIA | NETHERLANDS | ME.TALK
EXHIBITION

---

POST BY
Thierry Hanan Scheers
With a backpack  and hiking boots Hanan travels around the world. Destination? Somewhere, nowhere and everywhere.
backpacker and storyteller

PHOTO
Mike Bink

25 October 2023