On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia, The French Embassy – Institut français d'Indonésie (IFI) cordially invite you to
Opening Exhibition and Book Launch of “Indonésie, lumières inouïes”
Followed by a Unique Performance “The Impossible Shadow” by Asmara Abigail
Thursday, 16 October 2025
17h00 - onwards
Institut français d'Indonésie (IFI)
Jl. MH. Thamrin No. 20, Jakarta 10350
Agenda
17h00 : Check-in
17h30 – 17h50 : Opening and Remarks
17h50 – 18h10 : Guide exhibition visitors
18h10 – 18h40 : Reception at Café d’Aurélie
19h00 : Performance “The Impossible Shadow” (A monologue performance of Ratna Mohini by Asmara Abigail)
These intellectual, artistic, and scientific ties between France-Indonesia are recounted by French novelist Alexis Salatko in a bilingual book, Indonésie, lumières inouïes - 150 Years of Franco-Indonesian Exchanges, published by Denoël, through 11 portraits of French personalities who were passionate about Indonesia, discovered it, studied it, or lived there.
“The Impossible Shadow,” a rhythm of dance and dialogue with Ratna Mohini, performed by Asmara Abigail. This choreographic monologue offers a dialogue between Javanese dance and visual arts, exploring themes of identity, migration, and cultural memory. The piece pays homage to Ratna Mohini, Javanese dancer and muse of Henri Cartier-Bresson, both highlighted in the book and exhibition Indonésie, lumières inouïes, through a reinterpretation of her collection Nos Ombres en Fête – Our Festive Shadows. Part of the performance will be dedicated to a choreographed reading of one of her poems, imagined as if Ratna herself were reprising the stage of the Montparnasse where she once danced.
