SINGAPORE.- Art Stage Singapore, the eagerly anticipated Asian contemporary art fair, proudly presents the launch of the ‘Indonesian Pavilion’ in its upcoming 2013 edition, taking place from 24-27 January. Aiming to be the most reflective, orchestrated representation of Indonesia’s arts scene, the ‘Indonesian Pavilion’ will form a dedicated show space of over 1000 sqm, with its own entrance within the main Art Stage fair. This first-of-its-kind artistic platform will display key Indonesian galleries as well as featuring a curated exhibition of Indonesia’s leading contemporary artists, presenting the best of Indonesian art; whilst showcasing Indonesia’s place amongst the crème de la crème of the international art scene.

Indonesia’s art scene
After China and India, Indonesia has become one of the region's biggest and most prolific markets for contemporary art. In 2012, the participation of Indonesian galleries in major art fairs dropped by up to 50% compared to the previous year. The resulting limited access to international collectors and limited market access for emerging artists in Indonesia is a growing concern for the arts world, a concern Art Stage Singapore hopes to address with the Indonesian Pavilion.

Art Stage Singapore's Founder Lorenzo Rudolf explains, “The Indonesian art scene needs an internationally competitive platform in Asia where it can showcase its best. When a number of Indonesian artists came to me and expressed their anxiety over their limited access to the international art scene and market, I decided it is the right time for Art Stage Singapore to use both its regional advantage and resources to facilitate a new dynamic for both Indonesian artists and galleries”.

Dr Oei Hong Djien, the founder of the private OHD Museum of Modern and Contemporary Indonesian Art, also remarked on the importance of the Indonesian Pavilion by saying, “Indonesia, the fourth biggest country in the world with its rich in diversity and high quality contemporary art cannot wait any longer to play a bigger role and to have a larger share in the global art scene. Well-planned big promotions of international scale are needed. This is the aim of the Indonesia Pavilion which I fully support.” Deddy Kusuma, a respected patron of Indonesian art, also backed the initiative by remarking, "I fully support the Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage Singapore because it is a good, and the only, chance for Indonesian art to go international."

The Indonesian Pavilion
Featuring over 30 of Indonesia’s established and emerging contemporary artists, ‘The Best of Indonesia’ is a curated exhibition that showcases the true landscape of Indonesian art. Most of the works will be unveiled for the first time outside Indonesia, and many have been created exclusively for Art Stage. Heri Dono, one of the most internationally celebrated and recognised Indonesian artists also backed the initiative by saying, “I am both proud and enthusiastic to support the launch of the Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage 2013. The Pavilion offers an opportunity for Indonesia’s contemporary artists to show their most inspiring works and celebrate Indonesia’s growing international reputation, whilst exploring their own artistic journey within the global art scene."

The Indonesian Pavilion’s ‘Galleries’ section will play host to a key selection of Indonesian galleries. To encourage participation and ensure a true representation of Indonesia’s burgeoning arts scene, Art Stage Singapore is offering a host of benefits and incentives to those galleries attending the fair, fostering the talent of the future. Biantoro Santoso, founder of the Nadi Gallery commented, “The Indonesian Pavilion is good for the Indonesian art scene. This pavilion is focusing on Indonesian art so that the audience will be aware of it, and see Indonesian art more widely. It will also be an opportunity for us to accomplish our mission to promote Indonesian contemporary art in a strong and more concentrated presence."

The Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage Singapore 2013 aims to create an unprecedented representation of Indonesia’s contemporary art, establishing itself as one of the most sought after destinations for global art enthusiasts.