ARTJOG 2024 is set to captivate audiences with its intriguing theme, "Motif: Ramalan" (Motive: Prophecy). This year's exhibition will delve into the concept of prophecy, not just as a prediction of the future, but as a complex interplay of past, present, and future perceptions.

The curatorial team at ARTJOG 2024 explains that traditional notions of time and prophecy are evolving. In the contemporary context, time is no longer viewed solely as a linear progression toward a predetermined future. Instead, events that shape our understanding are seen through the lens of timeless advancements and open-ended possibilities. This shift reflects the rapid changes occurring across various spheres of life today.

"Motif: Ramalan" seeks to explore prophecy as an imaginative motif that links the past, present, and future. Unlike scientific hypotheses that predict outcomes based on prior conditions, the artistic interpretations of prophecy in this exhibition are driven by creativity and imagination. For artists, prophecy is not just about foresight but also about the creative process itself.

The rich cultural heritage of prophecy in Indonesian tradition plays a significant role in the exhibition. Elements such as jangka (traditional divination), serat (literary works), ilmu titen (traditional knowledge), and religious and oral traditions provide a cultural backdrop for the artists' explorations. These traditions offer insights into future events, often viewed as predestined or fated, encapsulating the belief of "weruh sakdurunge winarah" – knowing before it happens.

ARTJOG 2024 will feature a diverse array of artists who document significant and minor events of the past, drawing from cosmic perspectives as wide as the history of the earth. Their interests span legends, myths, dystopian and utopian visions, and sensitivities to transitional periods. These artists navigate the thin line between the surprises of progress and the myriad possibilities of the future, all while reflecting on the sufferings of past colonization and envisioning different historical routes.

The prophecy motif in this exhibition aims to reimagine various scenarios and hopes for the future rather than offering concrete predictions. It invites the audience to engage in a collective act of imagination, where the lines between what has been, what is, and what could be, are fluid and interconnected.

ARTJOG 2024 promises to be a thought-provoking event, challenging traditional notions of time and prediction and offering a platform for artists to explore and present their unique visions of the future.

ARTJOG 2024 will take place at the Jogja National Museum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from July 5th to August 25th. For more information, visit the official ARTJOG website.