'Ireland’s Eye 2026' Strengthens Cultural Ties Through Art in Yogyakarta

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The Ireland’s Eye 2026: The Imprint of the Irish Landscape exhibition has opened at RuangDalam Art House in Bantul, Yogyakarta, marking the fifth annual edition of the Irish Embassy's cultural showcase in Indonesia.

The exhibition runs from June 17 to July 15, presented in collaboration with ISA Art and Design and RuangDalam Art House. Curated by Irish artist and lecturer Mark Joyce, it brings together six Irish artists whose works explore culture, memory, and landscape.

Spanning generations--from modernist Tony O’Malley to emerging filmmaker Charlie Dineen--the exhibition reflects how terrain and mythology continue to shape artistic expression.

Through printmaking, film, and abstraction, the artists examine landscape as a living archive of history and identity. Mountains, coastlines, flora, and urban spaces intersect with geological time and human presence, revealing nature’s enduring resonance.

Representing ISA Art and Design, Fahrian Kusuma Putra emphasized the significance of the collaboration.

“This is the fifth year of partnership, sponsored by the Irish Embassy to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. All the artists showcased this year focus on printmaking and graphic art, with 14 works exhibited--13 prints and one visual film,” he said on Wednesday, June 17.

He added that each edition brings new perspectives. “Every year the theme, artists, and works are different," stated Fahrian, underscoring ISA’s long-standing collaboration with Mark Joyce, noting their 15-year partnership in supporting Ireland’s cultural mission in Indonesia.

"We always try to bring something fresh, and this year’s theme is about memory. A tree growing today may not grow tomorrow, so landscape and memory are always changing,” he concluded.

Deputy Head of Mission Éira McDermott highlighted the inspiration behind the theme, citing Irish writer Manchán Magan: “He said bogs, rivers, mountains, and shorelines are not just preservers of memory; they are energy banks and time sponges holding histories that seek release.”

McDermott described the theme as universal, resonating across cultures because “everyone has connections to place that evoke memories and stories.” She stressed Ireland’s cultural mission in Indonesia.

“Ireland is far away and small, but we want Indonesia to know Ireland, and Ireland to know Indonesia. We aim to deepen links through sharing culture--art, literature, and film--and collaborate with Indonesia’s thriving creative economy,” she said.

She also underlined Yogyakarta’s importance as a cultural hub beyond Jakarta. “It is important for us to be here in Jogja, not only Jakarta. Next year we hope to bring more cultural projects, including Irish literature and film," she continued.

Looking ahead, she announced that an Irish writer will participate in the Ubud Writers’ Festival in Bali this October, further strengthening creative ties.

This fifth edition of Ireland’s Eye underscores landscape as memory and identity, while highlighting the growing cultural connections between Ireland and Indonesia through art, literature, and collaboration. ***