Gajah Gallery Jakarta is taking a significant step with the presentation of Possession: To Have & To Hold, its first group show featuring contemporary artists based in the Philippines. This exhibition, curated by Joyce Toh, delves into the intricate and multifaceted concept of possession, exploring the human compulsion to surround ourselves with objects and things while also proposing an interpretation beyond the attainment of things or even a concern for utilitarian function.

This exhibition is a significant presentation as it not only underscores Indonesia's and the Philippines' historical resonance but also highlights their strengths as hubs of contemporary art. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering cultural exchange, Possession builds upon our successful collaborations, such as the recent showcase of Filipino artists at Gajah Gallery Singapore last October. These efforts have led to continued representations in international art fairs and biennales, further establishing the robust presence of Southeast Asian art on the global stage.

Several Filipino artists participating in this exhibition have been engaging in intensive collaborations with our foundry, the Yogya Art Lab (YAL) in Yogyakarta. This partnership has resulted in a creative rejuvenation, empowering the artists to create works in bronze and new experimental materials. The exchange of ideas and techniques at YAL has not only enhanced the individual practices of the artists involved but has also catalysed a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's artistic heritage.

The curation of artworks exhibited in this show will challenge our relationship with possessions, materials or otherwise; the symbolic functions it serves in demarcating time and space. It speaks not only to the regional kinship between Indonesia and the Philippines but also to a broader symptom of humanity: the tendency to shape identity, status, and aspirations around material possessions and attachment to objects. As we cling to items beyond necessity for sentimental or aesthetic reasons, the exhibition prompts us to question whether we own our possessions or they own us, thus underscoring the powerful role possessions play in our lives.

Press release courtesy Gajah Gallery.