The object of nature in Indonesian art: reconnecting with the environment, reconfiguring the world of art

The challenges of dealing with the Anthropocene are not only environmental but also representational. They concern the lack of human mutuality with other-type ontologies, the extraordinary temporalities and scales of geological phenomena, and the socio-political power structures limiting access to and participation in climate debate and action, among others. This article focuses on artistic revaluations of material objects such as dead animals, rocks, and caves in recent Indonesian art projects and events as ways to connect with, critically analyse, and give meaning and value to nature and planet Earth. Based on the analysis of publicly available catalogues, photographs, videos and other documents of the projects and events, I argue that these explorations also put the Indonesian art world and its history into new, critical perspectives. They demonstrate how human engagement with the natural environment is closely related to moments of renewal in Indonesian art. They have been an integral part of movements towards decentring the activity and interest in Indonesian contemporary art from Java to other parts of the archipelago, such as Makassar in South Sulawesi.