BIASA ArtSpace Bali hosted an event on July 11, 2013 to celebrate the launch of Julia Suryakusuma’s latest book ‘Julia’s Jihad’ along with the opening of their latest exhibition titled ‘OUTSPOKEN’. Over two hundred and fifty of Bali’s art community and supporters gathered to celebrate the best of Indonesia; art, music and food. The opening of the exhibition, which was dedicated to Julia Suryakusuma for her ‘outspoken’ and honest examination of Indonesia in her book, created synergy between two very different forms of art, both encompassing a similar theme; openness.

‘Outspoken’ presented the work of eleven Indonesian and International contemporary artists. The gallery selected artists known for their in-depth examination of contemporary issues related to Indonesian society and culture and invited them to contribute works from their stockroom that have resonance with Julia’s book and philosophy. Their response presents itself in ‘OUTSPOKEN’ as a spontaneous participation, showing the strength of Indonesian contemporary art today.