The Collector’s Gaze: Fenessa Adikoesoemo on art with meaning and fostering art appreciation in Indonesia

Art has always been a part of my life. My father, [businessman and founder of Museum MACAN] Haryanto Adikoesoemo, is a well-known collector, and I grew up in a home where art was everywhere. Some of my earliest memories involve walking through galleries and museums, and listening to conversations about artists and movements. At the time, I didn’t think much about it—it was simply my normal environment.

It wasn’t until I went to university in Australia that I started developing my own relationship with art. Being away from home gave me a fresh perspective and I found myself drawn to exhibitions, spending hours in museums and discovering artists on my own terms. That was when I realised that art wasn’t just something I had grown up with—it was something I genuinely loved.

I started collecting shortly after returning to Indonesia. At first, I gravitated toward works that felt personal—pieces that spoke to my experiences or evoked strong emotions. Over time, my collection has expanded in scope, but I still follow the same instinctual approach. I don’t collect based on trends or investment value; I collect what resonates with me.

Read more: The Collector’s Gaze: Culture vulture Bryant Chao on his journey in fine art and pop culture

Being involved with Museum MACAN has given me a deeper understanding of the art world. The museum is more than just a space for exhibitions—it’s a platform for education, cultural exchange and community engagement. One of my biggest priorities is making art accessible to a wider audience, especially young people.

Art has the power to inspire and challenge perspectives and I want more Indonesians to experience that. Through the museum’s programmes, we work on bringing art into schools and encouraging young people to engage with contemporary art in meaningful ways. I believe that exposure to art at a young age can shape the way we see the world, just as it did for me.

My home is filled with pieces that hold special meaning, and I love the way art changes the energy of a space. I don’t believe in keeping artworks locked away—I want to live with them, interact with them and let them be a part of my everyday life.

It’s hard to narrow down my list of favourite artists. However, one artist I’m particularly passionate about right now is Arin Dwihartanto Sunaryo, an Indonesian artist. Interestingly, his father is also a prominent figure in Indonesia’s art scene. I greatly admire both father and son’s works. A few years ago, I acquired a piece by Arin, Ambering (2023), which remains one of my favourite pieces in my collection. His style aligns perfectly with my aesthetic—minimalist, clean and orderly, which are qualities I deeply appreciate. Despite being [relatively] young, he is exceptionally talented. Indonesia has such a rich and diverse art scene and I’m always excited to discover new talents. Supporting local artists is important to me, not just as a collector but as someone who wants to see Indonesian art gain more recognition on the global stage.

If I had to name a guilty pleasure, it would be travelling for art. There’s something thrilling about visiting a new city and exploring its art scene— whether it’s discovering a small gallery in a back alley or attending a major biennale. I’ve planned entire trips around exhibitions I wanted to see, and I love the sense of adventure that comes with it. Another guilty pleasure? Late-night online art browsing. I can spend hours scrolling through digital exhibitions, auction previews and artist portfolios, completely losing track of time. There’s something exciting about stumbling upon a piece that speaks to you in an unexpected way.

I see my collecting journey as something that will continue to evolve. My tastes change, my perspectives shift—and with each new piece, my collection tells a slightly different story. I don’t have a rigid plan for what my collection should look like in the future—I prefer to let it grow organically. 

Beyond collecting, my biggest goal is to continue fostering art appreciation in Indonesia. I want to see more young people engaging with art, whether as collectors, curators or simply as enthusiasts. Art has given me so much—it has shaped the way I see the world, introduced me to incredible people and brought endless inspiration. If I can help others experience that same joy, I’ll consider it my greatest achievement.

This is part of a series created in collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong

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