Delving into Colonial Legacies: Iswanto Hartono's "Monuments" Exhibition at Oude Kerk

This exhibition features a site-specific installation by Indonesian artist Iswanto Hartono, exploring the complex relationship between Indonesian history and Dutch colonialism. The work prompts reflection on historical monuments and their contested meanings, particularly in the context of colonial legacies.

Indonesian artist Iswanto Hartono developed a site-specific installation for the Oude Kerk as part of Europalia Indonesia. His work delves into the intricate relationship between Indonesian history and the imagery of Dutch colonialism, traces of which are evident within the Oude Kerk itself. The exhibition focuses on graves and grave monuments dedicated to figures from that colonial period, often lauded as 'naval heroes' and symbols of judging 'others' from a dominant cultural perspective. Hartono challenges the narratives these monuments represent by drawing parallels to uprooted monuments in Banda, Batavia, and Sumatra (former Dutch East Indies). He questions what these monuments truly commemorate, suggesting they might represent horrific annexation, slavery, and oppression, or simply the presence of the ruler. Hartono offers his interpretation of his country's history through his art. A notable aspect of the exhibition was a portrait in wax of J.P. Coen, a Dutch merchant and VOC governor from the 17th century, known for his actions in Indonesia, including the genocide of Banda. This portrait was designed to slowly burn up, symbolizing themes of remembering and forgetting. According to the artist, 'in order to forget, we must first remember,' highlighting the inseparable nature of these processes in confronting historical trauma.

Information regarding tickets and visitor access can be found via the provided links to the Oude Kerk's ticketing and visitor information pages. Specific exhibition entry requirements are not detailed on this page.