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REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent: Exploring the Struggle for Freedom at the Rijksmuseum

Discover how art and personal narratives shaped Indonesia's path to independence between 1945 and 1949.

The REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent exhibition at the Rijksmuseum presents over 20 compelling personal stories from the 1945-1949 struggle for nationhood. It vividly illustrates how the ideal of a free Indonesia was passionately pursued, fought for, and negotiated during this pivotal period in world history. Visitors can explore the crucial influence of art and artists who served as a modern revolutionary vanguard, using their creations as potent political instruments.

About REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the Indonesian struggle for independence between 1945 and 1949 through over 20 personal stories, showcasing how the ideal of a free Indonesia was pursued, fought for, and negotiated. It highlights the crucial role of art and artists in propagating independence domestically and internationally.

Curatorial context

REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent delves into the passionate pursuit of freedom following a long period of colonial domination, presenting it as a significant part of world history. The exhibition features over 20 personal accounts illustrating the fervent pursuit, conflicts, negotiations, and propagation of the ideal of a free Indonesia, and how the revolution shaped individual lives. During this period, artists played a vital role as part of a modern revolutionary vanguard, working alongside politicians. Their creations, from paintings in government buildings to posters and graffiti in the streets, served as potent political instruments to advocate for Indonesian independence. The exhibition showcases works by prominent Indonesian artists like Trubus Soedarsono, S. Sudjojono, Otto Djaya, Basuki Abdullah, Hendra Gunawan, Kusuma Affandi, and Henk Ngantung, whose collective efforts established a defining image of the revolution. Additionally, a commissioned artwork by Yogyakarta-based artist Timoteus Anggawan Kusno uses objects from the Rijksmuseum's collection to evoke resistance and the consequences of the colonial experience. Over 200 objects, including photographs, documents, and posters, many loaned for the first time from various international collections, bear witness to this turbulent past.

Admission and ticket notes

The page mentions practical information regarding museum address, accessibility, and facilities like a free cloakroom, photography allowance, and free WiFi, with a link to 'All practical info'. Specific exhibition ticketing details are not provided, but it is framed as a past exhibition within the Rijksmuseum context. An audio tour is available for the exhibition, written by Steven R. Thé and available in English and Dutch, with a separate children's booklet also being developed.

REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for REVOLUSI! Indonesia Independent at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Venue
Rijksmuseum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features works by Indonesian artists such as Trubus Soedarsono, S. Sudjojono, Otto Djaya, Basuki Abdullah, Hendra Gunawan, Kusuma Affandi, and Henk Ngantung. A commissioned artwork is by Timoteus Anggawan Kusno. The curatorial team includes Harm Stevens, Amir Sidharta, Bonnie Triyana, and Marion Anker, with contributions from various historians, researchers, and artists.
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