4 Artsy Places in Jakarta Where You Could See and be Seen

by Raditya Nacho Pradana

Jakartans now perceive being artsy as a big new trend, people are finding ways so they could look as artsy as possible, thankfully now in Jakarta, there are people that combine the concept of a restaurant, art gallery, theater, bar and cafe under one roof to feed this wants and trends, and like all of past trends , this trend will someday come to an end, but hey let’s not talk about how will it end - let’s savour the moment where art is seen as a new status level and enjoy the list that i have made regarding top 4 Artsy places in Jakarta, so that you could be one of those pretentious hipster that loves art! (kidding here, no offense hipsters!)

·         TrystLiving Gallery and Resto, Kemang

Located in Kemang, TrystLiving is a place where cafe and furniture met with the art and quality design and comfort. In TrystLiving, they want us to experience what they call a wood experience in which they convert wood into something that can make people enjoy how the wood should be enjoyed. In their gallery of furniture you will be able to see an unusual form of wood that will blow your mind and make you go “aaah how beautiful”. The design and shape that they created is something out of the box that creative, dynamic, minimalist, modern, comfortable, and primarily for use. But not only gallery they also have a cafe that serves delicious pasta and cold beers. TrystLiving is definitely a place to see and be seen!

·         Dia.lo.gue Artspace and Coffee, Kemang

Dia.lo.gue is a common artspace that is open to the public. Basically their intent is to provide a space where a genuine creative dialogue can start to happen between artists, designers and the general public. This ethos is reflected in their name, which translates in local Betawi language as ‘He/She – You – Me’, and in their logogram, which can be interpreted as individuals of many different characters, ages and personalities.

As a public artspace, dia.lo.gue is open to types of art and design. Many artist have perform there such as our favorite darlings, White Shoes and The Couples Company (they are musician in case you cavemen don’t know them) who released their book and mini-album there, many interesting discussions and seminar has also taken place in Dia.lo.gue, infamous designers has also showcased their works in Dia.lo.gue. they also have some really good looking cafe that serves coffee and small foods, i recommend you to take a shot at their Grilled Pesto Chicken and Avocado Coffee which are for me a match made in heaven,  Dia.lo.gue is indoubtedly one of the place worth going!

·         Salihara Komunitas Salihara, Pasar Minggu

From the four places that i will recommend you, i think Salihara is by far the most consistent place that offers you fine qualities art, ranging from theater (many big theater group has perform here e.g. Teater Koma, Teater Mandiri, Garasi Teater, and other big names in theater play industry), not only famous for its theater place, Salihara also held discussions, writing festival, art exhibition (paintings, sculpture, art installations, etc.) Public lectures and monthly Jazz event.

Once named “The Best Art Space” (2010) by the magazine Time Out Jakarta and as one of the “10 Most Unique Places in Jakarta” (2010) by Metro TV, the architecture of Komunitas Salihara has also been described as, “Architecture which applies environmentally friendly aspects” by Green Design Award 2009. Not to forget, they also have Kopitiam Oey in front of the area, restaurant that is owned and supervised by Bondan Winarno, give their coffee and mi kepiting a try if you come to Salihara. Conclusion, Salihara is definitely a place that gives all.

·         KOI Restaurant & Gallery, Kemang

Located also in Kemang, hippest area in South Jakarta i must say, KOI Kemang really stand out between the three place I mentioned before, in terms of food, they have one of the best desserts in town, for me personally I love their mille feuille and dessert platter, Food aside, KOI Kemang also exhibit pantings and furniture regularly, they focused mainly on the Furniture because it is also one of their business line. This place is packed usually by people in their early 20s and late 30s, KOI Kemang is definitely a treat for your eyes and tummy.

Ok, that’s a wrap Lokals, hope you enjoy my recommendation, let’s be artsy and pretentious!

The Best Girl’s Night Out

As much as I would like to put my life on the line and rephrase everyone’s archetype of the word “Girl’s Night Out” or “Ladies Night”, I think some basic elements on those nasty paradigm are, indeed, exist. What makes it so prominent about these terms is frankly because us, girls, are in the state of pure let-go and get-go at that night. We refuse to think about anything (and by mean, ANYTHING) that has possibility of reducing the state of fun that was planned before. The desserts are so good you wanna have some more but you’re in the midst of dieting? Abort diet. Your boyfriend keeps ignoring you since forever? It’s a perfect revenge time. Traffic jam is worse than ever? Put your heels on and stroll to the nearby café while watching all the cars honking around. Seriously, nothing destructive is born on that night. And that’s why it’s so special.

Weekend serves as the perfect moment for the ultimate Girl’s Night Out. But I think Friday Night will do either. I’d like it better to have my girls go crazy together at the end of the crazy week. The best way to relieve stress is indeed to share it and burn it together with your closest ones. It’s the time where we’re allowing us to dress whatever we want, put the shoes as senseless as anything, and try that over-the-top makeup you always wanted to try. Be as gorgeous as we want to be. 

I’m not suggesting that going out and have a great night is always end up at some fashionable clubs, and go wasted and wakes up only with the headache in tomorrow’s time. Why waste that cute dress only in spilling’s stains and perhaps some splashes on someone else’s s vomit? Play elegantly at places that you want to be. A nice dinner sometimes works better. Makes sure you know what ambience you seek, the foods you want to try, and quickly make a reservation. Nice place usually offers nicer food, and a nice food is a guaran

tee for a nice experience! Try those menus that you can’t even pronounced, and order that impeccably-looked dessert. Savor the taste and laugh it off with your girls.

And also, I’m not suggesting that dinner is the final line. Of course little dancing here and there won’t hurt (unless of course, your feet). Go with your mood and seek for places that play your favorite tunes. There’s no better night to spend than dancing around like a complete goof with your closest friends. No cares are intended to save your image in front of your boyfriend or try to upkeep your image by dancing in minimum movement to impress some guys. Your girls already seen you wiping off your crazy mascara while crying, and also been there when you choked on a soda and claimed you almost died because of it.

Nothing better than a girl’s night out, ‘cause that was the moment we are letting everything out!