Meet Me Somewhere
BUCKLE UP FOR AN EXHILARATING ART EXPERIENCE THAT WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO “SOMEWHERE, ELSEWHERE, NOWHERE” AT MUSEUM MACAN
Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara) Jakarta is pulling out all the stops with a series of captivating exhibitions this year. The museum is renowned for its commitment to showcasing the works of leading Southeast Asian artists and its upcoming project promise to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Kicking off June is the highly anticipated exhibition by the Philippines-born, Brisbane-based artists Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan. After extensively showcasing their works in major exhibitions and biennales around the world, the duo is bringing “Somewhere, Elsewhere, Nowhere” to Museum MACAN. This major survey exhibition is their first-ever museum showcase. Visitors will encounter large-scale installations that delve into captivating themes such as urban development, human movement and journeys. Through their art, Isabel and Alfredo explore a profound sense of belonging and the formation of identities through the movement of people. Their collaborative practices, which often incorporate discarded materials like cardboard boxes, paper and plastic bags, create a collage of emotions that will leave you pondering the complexities of our interconnected world.
The exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on their own experiences on belonging, encouraging them to consider how personal journeys shape and redefine individual identities. By intertwining notions of urban development and human movement, the Aquilizans highlight the ever-changing nature of our sense of self within the modern world.
While Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan’s artistic journey has taken them across the globe, Indonesia holds a special place in their hearts. Their strong ties to the artistic scene in Yogyakarta have inspired one of their most significant series, “Belok Kiri Jalan Terus” (2017-2018). Recognizing their deep connection with Indonesian culture, the museum will commission a new work specifically for this exhibition, further strengthening their bond with artisanal practices in the country.
On a somewhat related note, from last April to mid-May, Museum MACAN has also engaged the public to participate and actually become part of the installation for the upcoming exhibition by donating used toothbrushes and share their dreams via voice note. The public was asked to share their most memorable dream or a description of their hopes, aspirations and goals. Selected dreams owners will then be asked donate or lend their blankets for the exhibition.
“Somewhere, Elsewhere, Nowhere” is scheduled to open on June 24, 2023 and will run until October 8, 2023. Mark your calendars and prepare to be whisked away into a world of wonder and imagination by this artsy duo.