ABOUT
ARTSUBS is envisioned as an annual contemporary art exhibition that presents to the public a mapping of Indonesia’s contemporary art landscape. The exploration of visual language and creativity in this field has grown rapidly and needs to be extended—broader, deeper, and further—so it can become an organic part of society.
This is especially crucial in relation to the development of the creative economy and the strengthening of critical thinking in Indonesia.
Therefore, major cities in Indonesia—such as Surabaya, the second-largest city rich in culture, history, and economic capital—require spaces that can accommodate contemporary art, particularly as many existing cultural and artistic sites have been lost. These spaces are essential for enabling art to become a practice that contributes to the "dreams" of creativity, imagination, awareness, and critical thought within society.
INITIATOR
Jagad Gallery
PT. JAGAD RAYA ART
VISION
ARTSUBS is conceived as both a representation and a mapping of Indonesia’s vibrant and capable contemporary art practices. Here, diversity will stand out—through form, medium, and artistic ideas. A grand dream that is within reach. The exhibition aims to cultivate self-critical awareness—an essential trait of progressive nations, both in the West and the East. Unfortunately, such awareness remains rare in Indonesia, hindering our society from achieving its full potential. From Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, ARTSUBS will amplify available resources to bring contemporary art closer to the heart of society. It aspires to become one of the largest exhibitions—something the nation can proudly share with the world. Now is the time.