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Dr. Melani Setiawan's 45-Year Indonesian Art Archive Published in Three Volumes

publication · 2026-04-19

In 2025, Red & White Publishing in Jakarta released a three-volume photographic collection titled Indonesia Art Archive: Dr. Melani Setiawan 1977-2022, authored by Dr. Melani Setiawan. The launch event at Pascasarjana ISI Yogyakarta drew 180 participants from across Asia. Setiawan meticulously curated 5,000 images from a total of over 100,000 photographs taken during studio visits and exhibitions, highlighting Indonesian artists in diverse contexts. An introductory essay by Jim Supangkat emphasized key advancements in Indonesian art. Setiawan's former home, Rumah Jalan Arjuna, functioned as a library and gathering place for artists. The event also featured a short film, Where It All Began. At 80 years old, Setiawan continues to document her work on Instagram (@melanisetiawan), connecting Indonesia's art scene with the global community.

Key facts

  • Dr. Melani Setiawan published a three-volume photo archive titled Indonesia Art Archive: Dr. Melani Setiawan 1977-2022
  • The book was launched at Pascasarjana ISI Yogyakarta in 2025
  • The archive contains 5,000 images selected from over 100,000 photographs
  • Setiawan documented Indonesian artists for 45 years, from 1977 to 2022
  • Jim Supangkat wrote the introductory essay for the publication
  • Setiawan's former Jakarta home, Rumah Jalan Arjuna, served as an archive library and art community hub
  • A short film Where It All Began was screened at the book launch
  • Setiawan continues to share her documentation on Instagram (@melanisetiawan)

Entities

Artists

  • Dr. Melani Setiawan
  • Jim Supangkat
  • Patricia Chen

Institutions

  • Red & White Publishing
  • Pascasarjana ISI Yogyakarta
  • The Art Newspaper
  • Financial Times
  • Flash Art
  • ArtAsiaPacific
  • Centre Pompidou
  • Asia Now
  • Authentication in Art Congress

Locations

  • Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • Yogyakarta
  • Japan
  • Taiwan
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Paris
  • The Hague
  • Hong Kong

Sources