ARTJOG 2026 turns art into a space for intergenerational dialogue
Roby Dwi Antono, “Generatio Continua: Kematian sebagai Katalis Kelahiran Kembali Sebuah Generasi”, 2026.
Every mid-year, Yogyakarta has one event that art lovers eagerly await. Not only artists, curators, collectors, and creative industry professionals, but also travelers looking to experience the atmosphere of Indonesian contemporary art in one place. This is why ARTJOG is often referred to as the “Lebaran Seni”—much like the traditional Lebaran holiday itself, ARTJOG has become a moment to gather, exchange ideas, and celebrate art together.
Selma MD, “Kembali Kandung”, 2025.
This year, ARTJOG 2026 returns to Jogja National Museum (JNM), Yogyakarta, from June 19 to August 30, 2026. Entering a new curatorial chapter, this year's edition marks the beginning of a larger thematic trilogy titled ARS LONGA, which will run through 2028. Its first chapter, ARS LONGA: GENERATIO, invites the public to consider how knowledge, experience, values, and artistic practices continue to move from one generation to the next. The theme also offers a way to reconsider the role of art amid ongoing social change.
The phrase Ars Longa comes from a Latin expression meaning “art is long.” Through this trilogy, ARTJOG seeks to emphasize that art can remain relevant beyond its own time. Art does not end with a single generation; instead, it continues to live through processes of inheritance, learning, and renewal that unfold over time. The first chapter of the trilogy, Generatio, specifically highlights intergenerational relationships as an important foundation of the art ecosystem.
Roby Dwi Antono, “Rahim Kolektif dan Generasi Alien”, 2026.
To translate this theme into an artistic experience, ARTJOG has appointed Roby Dwi Antono as this year's commissioned artist. Through a project titled GENERATIO: CYCLUS VITAE, Roby presents a series of sculptural installations and immersive spaces that invite visitors to reflect on how the experiences and wounds of previous generations can shape the identities of those that follow. The work has become one of the exhibition's key highlights from the moment visitors enter the exhibition area.
The theme of Generatio is also expressed through two curatorial approaches: Dialogus and Prāctica. In the Dialogus segment, visitors can encounter collaborative works that emphasize the importance of intergenerational dialogue and knowledge exchange. Meanwhile, Prāctica presents individual artistic practices addressing a range of contemporary issues from diverse perspectives.
Eko Nugroho & Versus Project, “Sirkus Janji”, 2026.
Artists and collectives participating in ARTJOG 2026 include Alyakha Kolektif, Atreyu Moniaga Project, Dolorosa Sinaga with Kelas Aktivisme Seni, Jessica Soekidi, and TEMPA. Alongside invited artists, this year's ARTJOG also brings together works by 25 selected artists and collectives with 19 emerging artists under the age of 35, chosen through an open selection process. The meeting of different generations forms an important part of the broader narrative developed throughout the exhibition.
Hermawan Tanzil feat. Dimas Satria, Garyanes Yulius, Io Woo, Miebie Sikoki, Mohammad Cahyo Novianto, Handhyanto Hardian, Hagung Sihag, “Ditangoeng Tida Loentoer”, 2026.
Beyond its art exhibition, ARTJOG once again presents a range of supporting programs that make the experience of visiting more diverse. The performa•ARTJOG program features music performances, live performances, and multidisciplinary projects by artists from Indonesia and abroad. Visitors can also take part in Exhibition Tours, Meet the Artist, ARTJOG Kids, Love ARTJOG, ARTCARE Indonesia, and The Others Lab, all designed to create closer interactions between artworks, artists, and the public.
More than just an annual event, ARTJOG has grown into a cultural destination that strengthens Yogyakarta's position as an art city. Every year, the festival offers a new reason to return while opening conversations around issues that remain relevant to contemporary life.
Through ARS LONGA: GENERATIO, ARTJOG 2026 reminds us that art is not only about works displayed within gallery walls. It can also serve as a space for sharing experiences, knowledge, and imagination—continuously passed from one generation to the next.
