Art flows through the beating heart of Yogyakarta, it is part of the culture and its history. Many people who visit the Javanese city talk about its small, yet friendly residence when compared to the bigger metropolises on the island. However, the real legacy of Yogyakarta is art. The biggest arts school in the country, ISI Jogjakarta, is proudly situated in Yogyakarta, as well as numerous other artistic foundations.
Although the art of the city is well-known and respected, you won’t find many large galleries with pieces of art as admired in Europe, North America, Singapore and Tokyo. Instead, you’ll find smaller, more personal art spaces. Murals can be found across the city melding into the calm and relaxing atmosphere. Many of them painted by the stunningly skilled students who remained in the city after finishing their degrees.
Walk the streets and you will see many forms of art, both in the design of the city and the many businesses that have opened up. It is not only the famous Malioboro Road that showcases artistic wares that can be bought and enjoyed. Coffee shops, hotels and restaurants, while bringing something new, have Yogyakarta at their core. Some use the celebrated art of the island like Wayang or the famous wood-work while others put forward a modern take on the local classics.
One such place is the LANA gallery, which is located on Jalan Menukan, is a great place to start exploring the art of the city. The small gallery is well known for showcasing local artist before they make it big. Many visiting art lovers have beautiful pieces delivered to their Western homes after purchasing one of the contemporary offerings from young budding artists. The staff are really helpful and give a loving insight into the background, style and thoughts behind the art on show.
The modern art movement in Yogyakarta has made it a focus point for many upcoming artists looking to showcase work from across the country and beyond. As a result you will often find everything from limited shows to international-scale exhibitions being held throughout the year. All the shows offer an authentic look at what is popular in the Javanese art scene while also showing the heritage of the artist and where they come from. Even if you are not an art lover, they are interesting ways to experience and famously creative part of the country and allow you to see and feel what is at the heart of the city.
The evolution of art in the city continues to grow with new artists creating new ways to move the city in an artistic directions. With new creations comes new meaning to the question ‘what does art mean in Yogyakarta.’ Yet one answer to this question will never change and that is for many art is part of their identity and allow the small Javanese city to express itself on a larger stage.
