Skip to main content

Art Jakarta 2026: Bali Takes Its Place in the Regional Art Conversation


Art Jakarta returns to JIExpo Kemayoran from 2–4 October 2026, bringing 75 galleries together for its latest international art fair. More than half are Indonesian galleries, while 33 come from overseas, including 19 participating for the first time.

For Bali’s art community, one of the more interesting parts of this year’s programme is the continued presence of Natta-Cita Art Space (N-CAS) from ISI Bali. Presented within the AJX section, N-CAS will bring Balinese contemporary artist-academics to Jakarta. The presentation is intended to contribute to Art Jakarta’s wider exploration of the diverse characteristics of contemporary art across the region.



Bali is also represented through several galleries and art spaces participating elsewhere in the fair. The 2026 gallery list includes CGartspace X Lanö Gallery, Galeri ZEN1, Jagad Gallery, Merah Gallery, Project ZEN1 and SUN.CONTEMPORARY.PROJECTS, all with Bali connections, alongside Nonfrasa Gallery, based in Bali.

The SCENE section also extends the Bali connection beyond established galleries. RAD (Ruang Arta Derau), Sanare Space and Ubud Art Collect are among the Bali-based participants in a section dedicated to artist collectives and collaborative projects. This year SCENE has grown to 39 participants from cities across Indonesia.

For visitors from Bali, Art Jakarta 2026 offers more than a major art fair in the capital. It is an opportunity to see how artists and art organisations from Bali are being placed within a much broader Indonesian and Southeast Asian contemporary art conversation.


Labels:

Recent posts

Balinese Art Styles: A Thousand Years of Creative Expression

The island of Bali, nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, is renowned not only for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich artistic heritage. Balinese art is a dynamic and ever-evolving tapestry that has captivated the world with its unique styles, expressive forms, and deep cultural significance. Over a thousand years of history, Balinese artists have developed an array of distinct art styles, each bearing the imprints of tradition, spirituality, and innovation. In this exploration of Balinese art styles, we delve into the evolution, characteristics, and significance of these remarkable creative traditions. Kamasan painting is a classical style originating from the village of Kamasan, known for its narrative depictions of Hindu epics and local folklore. These paintings are characterized by their use of natural pigments and intricate, stylized figures. Balinese sculpture is another prominent art form, with artisans expertly crafting intricate stone and wood c...
Read more

Indonesia Steps Forward at Art Central Hong Kong 2026

Indonesia’s presentation at Art Central Hong Kong 2026 did not rely on spectacle. It was measured, coordinated, and quietly strategic. Through the Ministry of Culture’s MTN Seni Budaya program, Rising Currents brought a group of Indonesian galleries into one of Asia’s most active art circuits with a level of structure that has often been missing in past international appearances. For those who follow Southeast Asia closely, the shift is noticeable. Indonesian art has long held depth. Strong studio practices, distinct visual languages, and a layered relationship to history and identity. What it has lacked is consistent access to the platforms where global conversations take shape. This is where Rising Currents begins to matter. Eight galleries participated, spanning Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bali. The inclusion of spaces such as Bali’s Puri Art Gallery signals something important. Bali is often read through its legacy. Tourism, tradition, craft. But within that, a contemporary ...
Read more

Women Artist of Indonesia

Bali, the Indonesian island renowned for its vibrant arts and culture, has a rich tradition of painting, sculpture, and performing arts. While Balinese art has long been dominated by male artists, several talented female artists have broken barriers and gained recognition for their unique contributions. Here are some of the most famous female artists from Bali who have made a significant impact on the art scene. I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih (Murni) (1966–2006) One of Bali’s most celebrated female artists, I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, known simply as Murni, was an unconventional painter whose works explored deeply personal and often taboo themes. Born in Tabanan, Bali, Murni had no formal art training but was heavily influenced by her mentor, I Dewa Putu Mokoh, a renowned artist from Ubud. Murni’s art stood out for its surreal and provocative depictions of sexuality, trauma, and womanhood. She often painted distorted figures, dreamlike imagery, and autobiographical elements that reflecte...
Read more