 officially announced the theme of its 16th edition: Being: Becoming, and a preview of art by EMTE prior to main exhibition.){kind=link}
Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design (ICAD) officially announced the theme of its 16th edition: Being: Becoming — a reflection on the relationship between time and context. Being refers to the condition that exists in the present, while becoming refers to the possibility of “will be” that transcends it. What is experienced in the present is not only shaped by the past, but also determines the direction of the future.
This theme acknowledges the tension between progress and nostalgia, between the inevitability of change and the desire to preserve what remains—in the context of a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, ecological instability, and the ongoing legacy of colonialism. ICAD 16 will be held from October 8–November 8, 2026, at grandkemang, Jakarta.
Before the main exhibition commences, ICAD presents Road to ICAD 16—a series of pre-festival programs that gradually open the door to Being: Becoming. Two selected artists are presented early, bringing their work as a first entry point into the theme.
The first program of Road to ICAD 16 presents a solo exhibition by Mohammad Taufiq (Emte), an illustrator and artist who started his career in the late 90s. Born and raised in Jakarta, Emte is accustomed to strategizing, experimenting, and negotiating—both in his life and in his work. His practice reflects a major shift in the Indonesian art ecosystem: from the once-clear boundaries between illustration and “pure” art, to a more fluid and diverse landscape.
In this exhibition, Emte presents two series of works. “Landslide” examines the trajectory of his career and life through the metaphor of a landslide disaster. Meanwhile, Pixel Deep questions the boundaries between private and public through selfie-taking figures. In their debut, these works were treated like market merchandise: available for immediate payment and take-home, a gesture challenging the exclusivity of the art market.
Complementing the Road to ICAD 16 opening experience, grandkemang also presented a canapé concept titled “Paint Dip” — a colorful, natural edible dip combined with chips and crackers, inspired by a painter’s act of dipping their brush on the paint palette. All elements of this dish are fully edible and food-grade, providing a culinary experience that aligns with the exploratory and creative spirit of the exhibition.
