Jakarta. Upon entering the wooden entrance door of Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace in Kemang, South Jakarta, visitors are first greeted by its well-appointed shop. Akin to a museum’s souvenir store, it presents a smorgasbord of artists’ merchandise and products by homegrown labels, ranging from printed pillowcases to stationery. Step further inside and you will encounter numerous spaces where artwork is displayed. One space features a parquet floor and is brightly lit; others are ensconced within bare walls — all of them beckon for exploration. Amid this entire spectacle, some people can be seen enjoying their coffee in various corners, while having a conversation — or, if you will, dialogue — with one another.

Established in December 2010 by Hermawan Tanzil, Franky Sadikin and Windi Salomo, Dia.Lo.Gue is indeed more than a mere art gallery. True to its name, it has a mission to be a space where visitors, be they part of the art community or the general public, are encouraged to exchange ideas about art and design. Through a witty attempt at wordplay, the name itself is also a portmanteau of three words in local Betawi language, meaning “She/He. You. I,” which reflects the inclusivity of the place.

Designed by renowned Indonesian architect Andra Matin, the building is well regarded for its modern tropical style, which blends in with the surrounding nature. Despite the fact that it is situated near a noisy Kemang intersection, the atmosphere inside is anything but. 

The nuanced contrast between its raw concrete walls and wooden panels serves as the perfect setting to showcase artwork in a variety of mediums, from paintings and sculptures to humongous art installations. Dia.Lo.Gue’s many windows and wide ventilations also ensure that the place is awash in natural light. The semi-outdoor space at the back looks directly to the serene green garden where events are regularly held, flanked by a minimalist steel staircase that leads to the offices of Hermawan’s design firm LeBoYe upstairs.

Entering its fifth year of existence soon, Dia.Lo.Gue organizes an array of exhibitions annually — each highlighting different aspects from the Indonesian art and design scene. Last February, for instance, there was an exhibition on the works of architecture firm Studio TonTon; while in May, a group of artists offered their contemporary takes on Indonesia’s sculpture heritage.

Unlike other art galleries in Jakarta that often exude an intimidating air and are mostly frequented by collectors, the space aims to embrace as many people as possible. One of their strategies is by spearheading various initiatives to provide a bigger platform for young emerging talents. A yearly program called EXI(S)T has become known as an incubator of sorts for Jakarta-based artists and designers interested in delving deeper into contemporary art. Selected applicants go through rigorous training before showing their final work. Other events like sMart Dialogue, meanwhile, bring together an art market with various workshops and performances — a true example of direct interaction between artists and designers and the public at the venue.

Through its many embodiments Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace democratizes the world of art and design, while providing an unexpectedly tranquil and soul-fulfilling escape from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta.

Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace

Jalan Kemang Selatan Raya No. 99 A, South Jakarta.

Go to dialogue-artspace.com for more information.