JAKARTA – Galeri Nasional Indonesia / Galnas (The National Gallery of Indonesia) hosts a prestigious event once again. The institution officially opened the 4th Indonesian Women Artists (IWA #4)exhibition on the night of April 9, 2026. This exhibition welcomes visitors until June 30, 2026. Twelve female artists from various generations showcase their masterpieces. They explore a profound theme: On the Map – Art, Science, Technology & Culture. Curators Carla Bianpoen, Vidhyasuri Utami, and Bagus Purwoadi lead the creative direction of this exhibition.
Building a Sustainable Platform for Female Expression
Inda C. Noerhadi, the Chairperson of the Cemara Enam Foundation, organized this event with a specific purpose. She designed the exhibition series as a platform for appreciation. She aims to highlight the artistic achievements of Indonesian women. Inda considers IWA #4 a significant milestone. She views this exhibition as a precursor to future female-led biennales or triennales. This vision marks a shift toward a more consistent presence for women in the Indonesian art scene.
Challenging History Through Artistic Resilience
Curator Carla Bianpoen highlights a historical gap in the art world. She notes that past Indonesian art history often ignored the experiences of women. Carla began her mission two decades ago to bring these artists to the surface. The first IWA introduced 34 female artists to the public eye. Subsequent editions in 2019 and 2022 continued this momentum. Now, the fourth edition in 2026 pushes the boundaries even further. Carla observes a deep restlessness within the participating artists. These women explore their inner selves, the earth, and the current socio-political climate. This restless energy produces extraordinary and unique artworks. Carla believes these artists are entering a new future with broader horizons.
A Fusion of Contemporary Voices and Senior Tributes
The exhibition features a diverse lineup of talented individuals. Bibiana Lee, Citra Sasmita with Cinta Bumi Artisan, and Dyantini Adeline present their latest works. Endang Lestari, Ines Katamso, and Irene Agrivina join the collective display. The roster also includes KaNa Fuddy Prakoso, Ni Nyoman Sani, Nona Yoanishara, Rani Jambak, Tara Kasenda, and Ve Dhanito. Beyond contemporary works, the exhibition honors the past. A special room provides a tribute to senior female artists who paved the way. This section celebrates the legacies of Sri Astari Rasjid, Lucia Hartini, and Hildawati Soemantri. It also recognizes the contributions of Marida Nasution and Umi Dachlan.
Government Support and Public Access
The Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia, Veronica Tan, inaugurated the exhibition. She emphasizes the necessity of affirmative action for female creators. She believes the government must provide platforms for branding and promotion. Without this support, artists face significant challenges in their professional journeys. The public can now access The 4th Indonesian Women Artists : ON THE MAP in Building A of the National Gallery. The gallery operates from Tuesday to Thursday between 10:00 and 18:00. On weekends, the doors stay open until 20:00. The gallery sets various ticket prices to ensure inclusivity. Students pay IDR 25,000, while adults pay IDR 50,000. The institution provides free entry for toddlers, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
As reported on the press release of kemenpppa.go.id
