Exploring Art:1 Gallery, A Journey Through Contemporary Art in Jakarta

Hello, it's your boy Sal. I’m going to tell you about my experiences during my visit to Art1 gallery. I visited this art gallery accidentally; I had actually planned to visit Museum Macan. However, since I had been to that museum before, I decided to choose another contemporary museum or art gallery in Jakarta, and ended up choosing Art1 because I had never been there before. Based on the reviews on Google, both Art1 and Museum Macan rank very high in the art museum category in Jakarta.

Art1 gallery is located in central Jakarta, between Plaza Senayan, Wisma Mulia, and close to Grand Indonesia, making it easy to reach. According to its website, the gallery was initially named Galeri Seni Mon Decor and was established in 1983 by Martha Gunawan. Later, she renovated the gallery and established Art1 in 2011 as a place for local artists to showcase their projects. The gallery consists of three floors, divided into two separate sections: the New Museum and Art Space on each floor. This layout is similar to the National Gallery Singapore, which also divides its building into two separate sections. The main difference is that the Museum section exhibits traditional artwork like paintings and statues, while the Art Space displays various art installations, video art, and photography.

To reach the entrance, you have to walk up the stairs. Upon entering, you'll notice scaffolding installed in the entrance. Initially, I thought it might be under renovation, but later realized it was part of the architectural design. The ticket counter is on the left once you enter the building. Foreign visitors must bring a copy of their Visa or KITAS to qualify for the same admission rate as locals. On the first floor, there's a vast array of art-themed books available for sale, and they also offer a café where you can enjoy snacks while reading. I'm not sure if you can bring snacks into the galleries on the upper levels.

The collection at Art1 is small and intimate, featuring a curated selection of contemporary and modern art sculptures by local and some foreign artists, particularly Japanese artists. The art collection encompasses a diverse range of styles presented through various mediums. While visiting, you can expect knowledgeable staff who are available to explain the artworks, although you can decline assistance if you prefer. This was the first museum or art gallery in Jakarta where I encountered professional and personable personnel who were very knowledgeable about the art.

During my visit, there weren't many other visitors—I may have been the only one there—so I could enjoy the art in a quiet and peaceful environment. As I walked through the installations, I could sense the artists had put their hearts and souls into their projects, which was overwhelming and fascinating at the same time. Personally, I found that two hours wasn't enough to interpret the full meaning of each artwork, as each piece has subtle complexities beyond what meets the eye.

One of my favorite pieces was a Borobudur-themed artwork, which I believe I've also seen at Art Jakarta or at the Nuart Museum, possibly made by Nyoman Nuarta. Some artworks were also familiar to me, possibly similar to those at Galeri Sunaryo in Bandung. The architectural design of the building is simple yet aesthetically pleasing. It appears the focus is more on the art installations rather than the interior design of the building, unlike Museum Macan, which strives for minimalism. This art gallery tends to blend classical influences, especially noticeable on the third floor.

I recommend visiting the gallery on weekdays, as there are fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate experience and deeper contemplation of each artwork's meaning. Admission prices are IDR 75K for adults, IDR 50K for students, and IDR 35K for children. There's also a kids' section where children can draw and play, although it's not very spacious. This place is a must-visit if you're looking for a contemporary art museum in Jakarta, especially if you're an art lover like myself. Marvelous!

Some of the sculptures on the 1st and 2nd floor.

Books that is for sell, available to read on the 1st floor

The paintings from Local and Foreigner Artists

Scaffolding that leads you to the entrance (Middle)

Art:1 New Museum

Address: Jl. Rajawali Selatan Raya No.3, Gn. Sahari Utara, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10720

Hours: 10.00 am - 04.00 pm (Sun), 10.00am - 06.00 pm (Tue to Fri), Monday Closed

Phone: (021) 64700168

Province: Jakarta

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