Art Jakarta Gardens 2026: An Open-Air Feast of 26 Galleries

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Art Jakarta Gardens is set to welcome art enthusiasts from May 5 to 10, 2026. The Hutan Kota by Plataran within the Gelora Bung Karno complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, will host 26 art galleries from both Indonesia and abroad.

Established in 2022, the event has become a market for three-dimensional works, including sculptures and installations. No fewer than 31 sculptures by 29 artists will be staged across the open spaces of the Senayan City Forest.

"The artworks will be placed throughout the open space area, [featuring pieces] from senior maestros like Pak Sunaryo to the younger generation such as Naufal Abshar," explained Art Jakarta Gardens Artistic Director, Enin Supriyanto, during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

In addition to the outdoor installations, participating galleries will showcase their artists' works within two large pavilions, maintaining the format of previous years. Several featured pieces are the result of partnerships with financial institutions; for instance, Bibit is presenting an octopus installation by Mulyana, also known as Mang Moel, titled "Tentacles of Wealth," while iForte Energi is introducing the ".this/PLAY" installation.

The open-air fair concept will also integrate various performances and musical acts. Scheduled appearances by Sarita Ibnoe, Agus Nur Amal (Agus PM Toh), and choreography by Swargaloka will take place from May 6 to May 10, 2026. To further enliven the experience, Plainsong Love will provide a musical backdrop for visitors as they explore the fair.

Artwork titled "Dancing Queen II" by Nyoman Nuarta (left) and artwork titled "Gold is King" by artist Naufal Abshar at the Art Jakarta Gardens in the Plataran Forest City, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Art Jakarta Gardens displays artworks from 23 art galleries from April 23 to 28, 2024. TEMPO/M Taufan Rengganis

Art Jakarta Gardens was initially launched in response to the post-pandemic situation to create a safe, open-air platform for an art fair. Enin and the Art Jakarta team did not expect the idea to be so well-received, leading to the fair's continued success today.

Enin stated that the event does not specifically focus on sculptures by maestros or pay tribute to specific artists due to collection limitations and their role as a platform provider. In this fair, he noted, the galleries play the leading role. Enin acknowledged that presenting three-dimensional works from galleries is a challenging task.

"It requires a great effort for galleries to present artists and their three-dimensional works. But it needs to be encouraged; otherwise, it's difficult," said Enin.

Enin hopes the event will serve as a seismograph to monitor new developments in artistic work. He emphasized that the role of galleries is to find these works and bring artists together with enthusiasts and collectors.

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