This section of the exhibition focuses on the history of coffee in the Arab World and Indonesia. It explains how coffee went from the forests of Ethiopia to Indonesia’s Java Island.
This part of the exhibition also features a powerful contemporary art installation Bloom in Agony (2022), from the Indonesian artists' collective Gegerboyo, which explores connections between Indonesia’s colonial heritage and modern coffee practices.
The collective is composed of Enka Komariah, Prihatmoko Moki, Vendy Methodos, Anjali Nayenggita, Dian Suci (2017-2022) and Ipeh Nur (2019-2022).
This powerful artwork made of twelve batik flags, a central shadow puppet, and a painted gate, revisits the heritage of coffee in Indonesia, from its origin story in the Arab World to its contemporary consumption. The piece also refers to the Dutch colonisation, the famous luwak coffee, and Max Havelaar novel.
Through this installation, contemporary Indonesian artists Gegerboyo reclaim the narrative of their country’s history, proposing a reflection on the powers’ imbalance inherent to the colonial system while highlighting the importance of coffee in contemporary Indonesia. From forced cultivation to staple drink, coffee was reappropriated by Indonesia, showing its peoples resilience and how the country was able to Bloom in Agony.
