Bakudengar
Dienstag, 10.03.2026 bis Sonntag, 20.09.2026Ausstellung mit Installationen aus Westpapua, Museum Arnhem, Niederlande
Bakudengar has been curated by a Public in Residence, consisting of a group of six makers. They collaborate with visual artists, who are creating new works especially for the exhibition. In addition, there is an extensive public programme packed with lectures, dance, music, food, workshops and more.
The title Bakudengar is composed of two Indonesian words: baku, which means “mutual”, and dengar, which means “to hear and listen”. Listening to each other is important for both the makers and visitors of the exhibition and a varied public programme encourages us all to do so.
Bakudengar was developed by Ruth Bensink, Mariska Helling, Gayle Mahulette, Femke Schouten, Lisa Storms and Mei-Lie Tan. From the start of 2025, they have been meeting at the invitation of Museum Arnhem, under the guidance of artist Kevin van Braak. They discussed their personal connection to the Indonesian archipelago and diaspora and the complex relationships involved. They also met with artists from Indonesia and artists who have a connection to it. This process led to some very special journeys, emotional encounters and moving stories. After intensive consultation with the group, the artists created new artworks. Their installations, drawings, sculptures and films show perspectives that people will recognise or evoke a sense of wonder, but which can also be provocative, calling for action and protest.
The exhibition pays special attention to West Papua, Maluku, the Minahasa, and the Chinese-Indonesian community. Topical issues are addressed, including today’s struggle for freedom, the need to protect nature and the environment, the consequences of Dutch colonial rule and later of the New Order, the value of pre-colonial traditions, the effects of forced migration, and the important role of women in passing on culture.
Participating artists Fitri DK, Gegerboyo, Hans van Houwelingen / Iswanto Hartono / Mirwan Andan, Gert Jan Kocken, Agung Kurniawan, Geraldy Laimera, Maryanto, Ipeh Nur, Dicky Taknadare, and Jennifer Tee.
Ontgrenzen The exhibition is part of the four-year project Ontgrenzen (De-bordering) . This involves working with different groups, creating new forms of presentation and representation. Ontgrenzen is a collaboration between Museum Arnhem and the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen. Each year, one of the two museums organises an exhibition for Ontgrenzen. Bakudengar is the third exhibition within this project for Museum Arnhem. The Ontgrenzen project has been honoured by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science with a place in the Basic Infrastructure.
Ort: Utrechtseweg 87 6812 AA Arnhem, Niederlande, +31(0)26 30 31 400, info@museumarnhem.nl
