Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Presents "Revolusi! Indonesia Independent" Exhibition
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is hosting "Revolusi! Indonesia Independent," a major exhibition exploring Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Running from February 11 to June 5, 2022, this presentation offers an international perspective on a pivotal period in global history.
The exhibition focuses on the four-year struggle for autonomy between 1945 and 1949, following Indonesia's self-proclaimed independence after more than three centuries of Dutch occupation. This era concluded with Indonesia's recognition by the United Nations in 1950. Visitors will gain insights into a complex history through the experiences of individuals who lived through the revolution, including fighters, artists, diplomats, and journalists. This marks the first significant exhibition dedicated to this subject in a major European museum, building on the Rijksmuseum's commitment to exploring colonial histories.
Over 200 objects are on display, gathered from various sources across Australia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. These range from personal keepsakes to paintings, some loaned for the first time from Indonesian art collections. The exhibition also features historical photographs and documents, such as propaganda posters and pamphlets, which were previously confiscated by Dutch military intelligence agencies and are now publicly exhibited for the first time through a partnership with The National Archives of the Netherlands.
Art and the Indonesian Revolution
The revolutionary period was a time of significant artistic and creative expression for Indonesian nationalists. Artists collaborated with political figures to form a modern vanguard, using art as a political tool to advocate for independence both within Indonesia and internationally. Paintings adorned government buildings, while streets were filled with posters, graffiti, and pamphlets. Artworks in the exhibition by artists like Trubus Soedarsono, Sudjojono, Otto Djaya, Basoeki Abdullah, Hendra Gunawan, Affandi, and Henk Ngantung depict themes of comradeship, leadership, armed combat, and youth fervor, collectively shaping the visual narrative of the revolution.
In addition, Yogyakarta-based artist Timoteus Anggawan Kusno was commissioned by the Rijksmuseum to create a new artwork specifically for the exhibition. This piece integrates objects from the Rijksmuseum's own colonial collection, aiming to highlight the long history of resistance predating the revolution and the lasting impact of the colonial experience.
Deeper Engagement and Online Access
Visitors interested in delving further into the exhibition's themes can explore an accompanying book, Revolusi! Indonesia Independent, featuring contributions from multiple historians and experts. For those unable to visit in person, an online version of "Revolusi!" provides interactive access to the stories of ten eyewitnesses through objects, photos, and film excerpts. An extended program of events and activities is also offered, with selected events available in English, in partnership with various venues and programmers through the museum's website.
The exhibition and its related programs are the result of extensive collaboration, involving a diverse team of Dutch and Indonesian curators, historians, and cultural experts. This collective effort ensures a comprehensive and multi-faceted exploration of this critical historical moment.
To experience this significant historical exhibition, plan your visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. For information on other cultural highlights in the city, Musemap (musemap.art) can help you explore other museums in Amsterdam or discover more exhibitions currently on view.
