Art Jakarta launches the inaugural edition of Art Jakarta Papers from February 5–8, 2026, at City Hall, Pondok Indah Mall 3, Jakarta. The new art fair present 28 galleries from Indonesia and across Asia, with exhibitions centred on works created using paper as the primary medium.
The event marks an expansion of Art Jakarta’s programme and feature gallery presentations, solo installations by Indonesian artists, and a series of curated discussions.
Art Jakarta Papers is positioned as part of Art Jakarta’s broader ecosystem, rather than a standalone event.
The fair open by invitation only on Thursday, 5 February, from 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm WIB, followed by public access on Friday, 6 February, from 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm WIB, and Saturday–Sunday, 7–8 February, from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm WIB. Tickets have been available for purchase since 21 January 2026 through the official website.
Positioning Paper as a Primary Artistic Medium
Art Jakarta Papers was developed in response to the need for sustained attention to art practices that rely on paper.
In Indonesia, paper-based works such as drawings, prints, illustrations, artists’ books, and research-driven or archival projects are frequently categorised as secondary media.
Despite this positioning, paper plays a central role in artistic processes. It supports the development of ideas, experimentation, and the creation of visual knowledge. Art Jakarta Papers aims to highlight these practices and place them within a broader artistic and market context.
Through this initiative, Art Jakarta presents paper not only as a historically and conceptually significant medium, but also as one with economic relevance.
The programme underscores the paper’s role as a site for exploration, experimentation, and artistic production, while reinforcing its position within contemporary art discourse.
Collaborations, Installations, and Public Discussions
In addition to gallery presentations, Art Jakarta Papers feature collaborative installations supported by institutional partners.
myBCA, in collaboration with artist Rudy Atjeh, present myBCA Space, a monolithic installation constructed from hand-cut paper.
The work uses the form of a tree to represent the human journey. The roots symbolise foundational principles, the trunk reflects self-determination, and the branches depict evolving life stages.
A cube structure placed at the centre of the tree represents the importance of life and financial management. Visitors is invited to engage with the installation through origami activities, allowing the work to develop throughout the exhibition period.
Sucor Asset Management, working with artist Naufal Abshar, present Sucor AM Corner, an interactive installation that uses chess as a metaphor for investment strategy and decision-making.
Six papier-mâché sculptures represent the six chess pieces and are arranged to illustrate how distinct roles operate within a unified system.
Art Jakarta Papers also host six discussion sessions on Saturday and Sunday, 7–8 February 2026.
Topics include the position of paperwork within the art ecosystem, conservation challenges in tropical climates, international market opportunities for Indonesian paper artists, paper as an experimental medium, the paper revolution, and restoration practices.
The discussions are designed for artists, curators, galleries, collectors, conservators, and art institutions.
Further details on the public programme will be announced through @artjakarta on Instagram and the official website.
In 2026, Art Jakarta will continue its programme with Art Jakarta Gardens at Hutan Kota by Plataran from 5–10 May, followed by Art Jakarta, its flagship fair, at JIExpo Kemayoran from 2–4 October.
