Biennale Jogja 17 Explores Javanese 'Titen' Across 14 Sites, Featuring Feminist and Indigenous Voices

The 17th Biennale Jogja, titled 'Titen: Embodied Knowledges, Shifting Grounds,' takes place from October 6 to November 25 at 14 locations throughout Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This event delves into Titen, a Javanese method for predicting disasters that has often been overlooked by Western perspectives. The exhibition is set in various sites, including village halls, agricultural lands, and a waste facility, intentionally lacking climate control to enhance the sensory experience. Attendees can ride a 'kereta kelinci' (rabbit train) to explore works such as Dan Vezentan's 'The Rice Collector' (2023) and activities by Jelica Jovanović. A theme song, 'Nguri-uri Lemah,' composed by Arum Dayu, emphasizes the importance of land stewardship. Additionally, the Bibis Monument features 'After Museum, After History' (2023) by Unhistoried. The Equator Project has expanded to include Eastern Europe and South Asia, showcasing feminist works like Fitri DK's 'Wadas Lestari' (2023) and Mekh Limbu's video essay 'Mangdem'ma' (2022). The design of the biennial presents physical challenges, with one visitor suffering from sunstroke.