Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse Exhibition at ISA Art Gallery Illuminates Agrarian Conflicts and Human-Nature Nexus

The ISA Art Gallery in Jakarta recently unveiled "Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse," an exhibition that plunges deep into the complex and often contentious relationship between humanity and the natural world, with a particular focus on Indonesia’s pervasive agrarian conflicts. Opened on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the exhibition serves as a poignant mirror reflecting the struggles faced by rural communities against the backdrop of rapid urban and industrial expansion, all while exploring the innate human connection to life and natural systems, a concept known as biophilia. The curated collection challenges viewers to confront the environmental and social ramifications of development, urging a re-evaluation of humanity’s place within the ecological tapestry.

A Glimpse into the Struggle: Fitri DK’s "Tenda Perjuangan"

Among the most compelling installations, Fitri DK’s "Tenda Perjuangan" (Struggle Tent) immediately captivates visitors, drawing them into a raw, visceral experience. Fashioned as an emergency tent with stark wooden crossbars, its exterior is adorned with powerful imagery: determined farmers pounding rice, their traditional conical hats (caping) emblazoned with the defiant slogan, "Tolak Pabrik Semen" (Reject Cement Factory). This powerful piece stands in stark contrast to the gallery’s pristine, tranquil setting, effectively transplanting a fragment of the ongoing struggle from Indonesia’s conflict zones directly into the urban heart of Jakarta. The tent quickly became a focal point, sparking intense discussion and emotional responses from attendees, many of whom are far removed from the daily realities of agrarian disputes.

The deliberate juxtaposition of "Tenda Perjuangan" within a contemporary art space is central to its impact. It acts as a bridge, connecting the often-invisible battles of marginalized communities with an urban audience, compelling them to acknowledge the sacrifices made in the name of progress. Fitri DK, an artist renowned for her socio-political commentary, employs this installation to not only document but also to actively participate in the discourse surrounding land rights and environmental justice. Her work is a testament to art’s capacity to serve as a powerful medium for advocacy, translating complex socio-economic issues into accessible and emotionally resonant forms.

The Concept of Biophilia and Its Artistic Interpretation

The exhibition’s title, "Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse," is deeply significant. Biophilia, a term popularized by American biologist E.O. Wilson, posits an innate human tendency to connect with nature and other living systems. This fundamental connection, however, is increasingly strained and fractured in an era dominated by industrialization, resource exploitation, and urbanization. The "Exquisite Corpse" element, borrowed from the Surrealist game where artists collaboratively build a composite image without seeing each other’s contributions, suggests a fragmented yet interconnected exploration of this theme. It implies that the human-nature relationship, much like the game, is a collective construction, often disjointed, yet forming a larger, albeit sometimes grotesque, picture.

The artists participating in "Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse" collectively explore this paradox. They delve into how biophilia manifests even amidst environmental degradation and social conflict, or conversely, how its suppression leads to ecological imbalance and human suffering. Through diverse mediums—painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art—the exhibition probes themes such as biodiversity loss, the commodification of natural resources, the displacement of indigenous populations, and the search for sustainable coexistence. Each artwork, like a piece of the exquisite corpse, contributes to a holistic, if unsettling, narrative about humanity’s entangled destiny with the planet.

The Roots of Agrarian Conflict in Indonesia: A Deep Dive

Indonesia, an archipelago nation rich in natural resources, has long been a hotbed for agrarian conflicts. These disputes typically arise from overlapping land claims, a legacy of colonial-era land policies, inadequate legal frameworks, and the rapid expansion of industrial sectors such as mining, palm oil plantations, logging, and infrastructure development. Smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and local populations often find themselves pitted against powerful corporations and, at times, state entities.

Data from organizations like the Consortium for Agrarian Reform (KPA) and the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) consistently highlight the escalating number of land disputes. In recent years leading up to 2026, thousands of cases have been recorded annually, affecting millions of hectares of land and hundreds of thousands of households. These conflicts frequently involve allegations of human rights abuses, criminalization of farmers, forced evictions, and environmental destruction. The phrase "Tolak Pabrik Semen" on Fitri DK’s installation directly references the highly publicized struggles in regions like the Kendeng Mountains in Central Java, where local communities, predominantly farmers, have fiercely resisted the establishment of cement factories, citing concerns over water resources, agricultural land, and the destruction of karst ecosystems. These protests often involve women farmers as front-line defenders, drawing national and international attention to their plight.

Beyond cement factories, other major drivers of conflict include:

• Palm Oil Expansion: Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, with vast tracts of rainforest converted into plantations, leading to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of indigenous communities.
• Mining Operations: Extensive coal, gold, and nickel mining activities often encroach upon community lands, causing land subsidence, water contamination, and respiratory illnesses.
• Infrastructure Projects: The development of roads, dams, and new cities, while framed as national development, frequently disregards existing land rights and environmental impact assessments.
• Lack of Clear Land Tenure: Ambiguities in land ownership, conflicting permits issued by different government agencies, and the absence of comprehensive agrarian reform exacerbate these disputes, leaving local communities vulnerable.

Art as Advocacy: Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide

The ISA Art Gallery, by hosting "Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse," reinforces its role as a significant cultural institution that not only showcases artistic excellence but also fosters critical social discourse. Art exhibitions of this nature play a crucial role in bringing urgent socio-environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness, particularly within urban centers where the direct impacts of these conflicts are less immediately felt. By presenting the raw realities of agrarian struggles through art, the gallery aims to cultivate empathy, raise awareness, and encourage civic engagement among its diverse audience.

The exhibition’s timing, in early 2026, is particularly pertinent. As Indonesia continues its trajectory of economic growth, the pressures on its natural resources and rural communities are intensifying. Discussions around sustainable development, equitable resource distribution, and climate change resilience are more critical than ever. Art offers a unique language to navigate these complexities, transcending statistics and policy jargon to connect with viewers on an emotional and intellectual level.

Statements and Reactions: Amplifying Voices

During the exhibition’s opening, representatives from the ISA Art Gallery underscored the curatorial vision. The gallery director, [Hypothetical Name, e.g., Ms. Anya Chandra], remarked, "Our aim with ‘Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse’ is to create a space for profound reflection on humanity’s intrinsic connection to nature, even as we witness its degradation. Fitri DK’s ‘Tenda Perjuangan’ is a powerful embodiment of this struggle, forcing us to confront the human cost of unsustainable development. We believe art has the power to not just observe, but to instigate change."

Fitri DK, in a statement released for the exhibition, elaborated on her motivations: "The ‘Tenda Perjuangan’ is not merely an object; it is a symbol of resilience, a fragment of the lived experience of countless farmers who stand as guardians of our land and water. The slogan ‘Tolak Pabrik Semen’ is a direct outcry against the threats to their livelihoods and the environment. My hope is that this installation serves as a reminder that these struggles are real, ongoing, and demand our collective attention and action."

Environmental activists and agrarian reform advocates have welcomed the exhibition as a vital platform. A spokesperson from WALHI commented, "It is crucial for these stories to be told beyond the villages and fields where they unfold. Art galleries like ISA provide a unique opportunity to engage a broader urban demographic, many of whom are unaware of the daily injustices faced by our farmers. This exhibition helps to bridge that gap and galvanize support for agrarian justice." Academics specializing in socio-environmental studies also noted the exhibition’s significance. Dr. Budi Santoso, a sociologist from the University of Indonesia, stated, "The ‘Exquisite Corpse’ concept perfectly illustrates the fragmented yet interconnected nature of our environmental and social crises. Each artist’s contribution, while distinct, forms part of a larger, critical narrative that society desperately needs to confront."

Broader Impact and Implications

"Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse" holds significant implications beyond its artistic merit. Firstly, it elevates the discourse on agrarian conflicts from specialized policy debates to the realm of public consciousness, fostering greater understanding and empathy. By humanizing the statistics and presenting the struggles through artistic expression, it makes the issues more relatable and urgent for an urban audience.

Secondly, the exhibition reinforces the role of contemporary art as a catalyst for social change. It demonstrates that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a potent tool for advocacy, critique, and mobilization. It encourages viewers to not only appreciate the aesthetics but also to critically examine the underlying socio-political messages and consider their own roles in addressing these challenges.

Thirdly, by focusing on "biophilia," the exhibition subtly yet powerfully reasserts the fundamental importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. It posits that the degradation of the environment and the displacement of communities are not merely economic or political problems but also profound ruptures in humanity’s intrinsic connection to life itself. This perspective offers a deeper, more philosophical lens through which to view environmental conservation and social justice.

The exhibition’s potential impact extends to influencing policy discussions, inspiring further research, and encouraging collaborations between artists, activists, academics, and policymakers. It provides a shared cultural space where diverse perspectives can converge, fostering dialogue and potentially laying the groundwork for more effective and equitable solutions to Indonesia’s enduring agrarian and environmental challenges.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Action

"Biophilia: Exquisite Corpse" at ISA Art Gallery is more than just an art exhibition; it is a profound commentary on the contemporary Indonesian landscape. Through the evocative power of art, particularly works like Fitri DK’s "Tenda Perjuangan," it brings the front lines of agrarian conflict into the urban consciousness, urging a collective reflection on our relationship with nature and the imperative for social justice. As visitors navigate the diverse interpretations of biophilia and its desecration, they are implicitly asked to consider their own roles in either perpetuating or mitigating the ongoing struggles. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for land rights, environmental protection, and a harmonious coexistence with nature is a shared responsibility, requiring not just awareness, but active engagement and systemic change.