The storyline of a museum is the basis of the narrative information that a museum conveys to its viewers. Each museum needs to study the collection then determine the narrative line to be conveyed, according to the collection. We have compiled MSRJ's narrative line based on the fine arts collection in the museum, so that when visiting the museum, the viewers can get a comprehensive understanding of the historical, art and cultural aspects of the exhibition at the Museum.
Introduction to the Building History
The Jakarta Fine Arts Museum occupies an old building that was erected on January 12, 1870 in the Jakarta Old Town area, precisely in the town square complex now known as Taman Fatahilah. In this complex there is also the Jakarta History Museum and the Wayang (Puppet) Museum.
Read MoreThe City and Its Changes
The city and its changes present a special slice in the history of art in relation to the development of the city of Jakarta. This section shows a collection of museum sketches collected from the hands of painters.
Read MoreBetween Revolution and Diplomacy
From 1945 - 1950 a group of artists emerged to help the Government record and broadcast the meaning of independence. Among them, Young Indonesian Artists (S.I.M, founded 1946) are housed in the structure of the Ministry of Information.
Read MoreMajor Conflict and Debate
Entering the 1950s, Indonesia was dragged into the Cold War currents between the United States and the Soviet Union, two superpowers that had major differences in government, economic ideology, and military. While a number of countries decided not to side with one of the two superpowers.
Read MoreDaily life and life of the Indonesian people in the early period of independence became a subject that is often found in works made in the late 1940s to the early 1960s. The choice of colors that tend to be dark and gloomy is not only driven by the aspirations of painters depicting simple everyday life but also related to the limited access to painting material.
Read MoreUntil the early 1960s the dominance of painting with the style of realism was the main stream in Indonesian art. At the same time, the formation of a variety of formal arts education in Jogjakarta and Bandung allowed the aesthetic theories approach to be a reference for art learning that was not previously dominant in studio education.
Read More1966 was a year of power transfer in Indonesia. Sudjojono's painting “And Thus The ’66 Movement Is Born” depicts the atmosphere of student demonstrations demanding the government for Indonesia's deteriorating political and economic conditions.
Read MoreWhen abstract painting became increasingly dominant in the 1970s, Indonesian art also showed a variety of artistic tendencies. Abstract visual art can develop based on emotional expressions and include imprinting the mental condition of artists later known as lyricalism.
Read MoreAfter the political tragedy in 1965, Indonesia entered a new era known as the New Order (1966-1998). This period is known as the era of art depoliticization which was marked by the victory of universal humanistism; a celebration of the freedom of individual expression; the desire to establish international relations in art more broadly; which was previously suppressed by the Sukarno Government.
Read MoreGlass painting has long been known in the treasures of Indonesian art. Historically, glass painting developed from the 16th century. This painting is considered a popular folk painting for Christmas gifts in Europe. Glass painting has developed earlier than oil painting on canvas.
Read MoreYayasan Mitra Museum Jakarta (Friends of Jakarta Museums Foundation) envisions Jakarta museums, starting with museums under the Jakarta government, to become excellent centers of education, entertainment, and recreation; where citizens of and visitors to the city will be able to gain historical, artistic, and cultural knowledge and experience.
Read More