Art Jakarta will launch the inaugural edition of Art Jakarta Papers from 5–8 February 2026 at City Hall, Pondok Indah Mall 3. The fair will bring together 28 galleries from Indonesia and across Asia, presenting a wide range of works that explore paper as a primary artistic medium. Alongside gallery presentations, the event will include solo presentations by Indonesian artists and a series of curated talks examining the role of paper in contemporary art.
Art Jakarta Papers was conceived to give focused attention and sustainable support to paper-based art. In Indonesia, works on paper — including drawings, prints, illustrations, photography, artists’ books and archive-based practices — are often viewed as secondary, despite being fundamental to artistic research and the development of ideas. Internationally, however, paper-based practices have gained strong recognition through art fairs, biennales and institutional exhibitions. Through this platform, Art Jakarta aims to expand the ecosystem for paper art while highlighting its historical, conceptual and market relevance.
“We hope that this edition will strengthen, deepen, and expand the appreciation and
knowledge of art lovers, collectors, and the general public in Indonesia and the region regarding the various forms and achievements of contemporary paper-based art,” Artistic
Director Enin Supriyanto remarks.
The first edition is supported by Lead Partners BCA and Sucor Asset Management, both presenting special artistic collaborations. myBCA Space will feature a large-scale paper installation by Rudy Atjeh, symbolising the journey of human life through the form of a tree. The roots represent fundamental values, the trunk reflects inner resilience, and the branches symbolise life’s evolving phases. A cubic structure at the centre represents the importance of life and financial management. Visitors are invited to take part in an origami activity, allowing the installation to grow throughout the exhibition. Atjeh has worked with intricate paper cut-outs for over a decade, developing a practice that explores cultural memory, symbolism and interpretation through sculptural paper forms.
Sucor Asset Management will present Sucor AM Corner, an interactive installation created with artist Naufal Abshar. Using chess as a metaphor for investment, the installation features six papier-mâché sculptures representing the roles and strategies within financial decision-making. Visitors can also take part in “Chess Play”, a live chess experience with different levels of difficulty, reflecting varying investment risk profiles and personal approaches to decision-making.
Further support comes from Main Partner EDISII, a new player in the art industry specialising in limited-edition fine art prints. For Art Jakarta Papers, EDISII will present a selection of prints by Indonesian contemporary artists, produced through close collaboration between the artists and print specialists.
The fair will also include curated solo presentations of large-scale installations by participating galleries, forming part of a broader exhibition dialogue. Featured artists include Iwan Effendi, presented by ara contemporary, and photography collective Ruang MES 56, presented by kohesi Initiatives.
Complementing the exhibition, Art Jakarta Papers will host a series of six panel discussions on 7–8 February 2026. These conversations will explore topics such as the position of paper-based art in the art ecosystem, conservation challenges in tropical climates, international market opportunities, artistic experimentation and restoration practices. The discussions will involve artists, curators, galleries, collectors, conservators and institutions. Further updates on the public programme will be shared via @artjakarta and the official website.
Art Jakarta Papers will be open by invitation only on Thursday, 5 February 2026, from 3–9pm. It will open to the public on Friday, 6 February from 3–9pm and Saturday–Sunday, 7–8 February from 11am–9pm.
The event marks the beginning of Art Jakarta’s 2026 programme, followed by Art Jakarta Gardens at Hutan Kota by Plataran from 5–10 May 2026, and the flagship Art Jakarta fair at JIExpo Kemayoran from 2–4 October 2026. Together, these events reinforce Art Jakarta’s role as a sustainable platform supporting Indonesia’s art ecosystem while encouraging regional dialogue and exchange in contemporary art.
Tickets for Art Jakarta Papers will be available from 21 January 2026 exclusively through artjakarta.com.
