Europalia Indonesia: Indonesian dances/Magnum Photos

The theme of ritual and religious dances in Indonesia is now a mass attraction. As the subject of tourism-related endeavours, they sometimes lose their sacred quality, which is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture.
The exhibition suggests returning to the origins of these dances – by way of highly ritualised and lively stages – through the works of three major photographers of the 20th century: Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger (both of whom were co-founders of the Magnum agency) and Burt Glinn (the former CEO of Magnum).

The selected photographs span 20 years, on the occasion of three trips made to Bali, Sumatra and Jakarta by these photographers: Cartier-Bresson in 1949, Rodgers in 1953 and Glinn in 1969.
Fifty photographs, which are in black and white and colour, are exhibited at the Grand Curtius museum. This exhibition is completely unique. It has been specially created by the Museums of Liège as part of the Europalia Indonesia Festival, in partnership with Magnum Photos and with the support of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation. It also forms part of the events that mark the 70th anniversary of Magnum Photos, which was founded in 1947.

Exhibition at the Grand Curtius museum in Liège between 9 November 2017 and 14 January 2018.
Price: ‘The Kingdoms of the Sea’ exhibition at La Boverie + ‘Indonesian dances’ exhibition at the Grand Curtius museum: €12

Photos: Performance of the Ketjak in the village of Bedulu, near Ubud. Bali, Indonesia, 1953 © George Rodger/Magnum Photos & Preparations for the Baris Dance, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 1949 © Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos