Why it belongs in ORBIS
Dia.Lo.Gue in Kemang brings an art space and shop together with a café. The shop carries design objects and artist-related merchandise, giving visitors a retail selection alongside the exhibitions. Its building was designed by Andra Matin, and the venue's programme centres on exchange between artists and the public.
Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace was founded in 2001 by Ibu Engel Tanzil in Kemang Selatan, South Jakarta (Jalan Kemang Selatan Raya No. 99 A). The venue's name playfully presents 'dialogue' as 'Dia-Lo-Gue,' also readable as Betawi slang meaning 'Him/Her-You-Me,' reflecting its ethos as a place for open conversation, safe expression, and honest discovery. The building itself was designed by famed Indonesian architect Andra Matin and emphasizes the importance of empty space. Dia.Lo.Gue operates as three integrated elements: an artspace hosting diverse exhibitions (from indie music concerts and documentary screenings to exhibitions on design and architecture), a cozy café, and a shop selling quirky local indie brands, artist products, contemporary art objects, books, and vintage travel posters. The venue remains a chic gathering point for Jakarta's creative community.