The Hari Hong Kong Partners with White Cube to Unveil ‘Thresholds’: A Groundbreaking Art Exhibition Exploring Indonesia’s Spiritual, Political, and Ecological Transformations

Published on December 5, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In an exciting partnership between The Hari Hong Kong and White Cube, the ‘Thresholds’ exhibition has arrived to mesmerise visitors with an evocative display of contemporary Indonesian art. This captivating showcase explores the cycles of life, death, and transformation through the works of nine multi-generational Indonesian artists. Thresholds dives deep into the themes of ritual, spirituality, and reincarnation, making it an essential must-see for art lovers and those curious about the cultural evolution of Indonesia.

From paintings to sculptures, textiles, and silverware, each piece reflects the unique journeys of these artists, who bring their own personal experiences of transformation—whether spiritual, political, physical, or mythological—into vivid art forms. Running at The Hari Hong Kong until 31 March 2026, this exhibition is set to change the way you perceive art and cultural expression from Indonesia, with the hotel offering exclusive Indonesian-inspired dishes and drinks to complement the experience.

‘Thresholds’ Exhibition: A Crossroads of Spirituality, Death, and Reincarnation

The ‘Thresholds’ exhibition is not just an art show; it’s a spiritual journey that immerses visitors in the life cycles of birth, death, and the continuation of life. Curated by Galuh Sukardi, a renowned independent curator from Indonesia, ‘Thresholds’ brings together works by Arahmaiani, Christine Ay Tjoe, Nadiah Bamadhaj, and other powerful voices in the Indonesian art scene. The exhibition reflects how Indonesia’s cultural and spiritual dynamics—rooted in rituals, spiritual beliefs, and mythologies—continue to influence its artists today.

The artworks, made from painting, sculpture, and textile, serve as a metaphorical exploration of the cycles of life and death. With each piece representing the balance of light and dark, the exhibition invites you to witness the harmony of opposites—a recurring theme that weaves throughout Indonesian tradition. The Balinese poleng cloth, a traditional symbol of the coexistence of opposites, is a striking example of this theme, as it appears as a significant reference throughout the works in ‘Thresholds’.

Indonesian-Inspired Cuisine at The Lounge: A Tasty Exploration of Culture

To elevate the experience of ‘Thresholds’, The Hari Hong Kong offers Indonesian-inspired menu specials at The Lounge, one of the hotel’s public spaces where the exhibition is displayed. The menu features special dishes like chicken karaage wrapped in pandan leaf and pandan coconut panna cotta, both of which are infused with the distinctive aroma and vibrant green colour of the pandan leaf. Known for its spiritual significance, the pandan leaf plays a key role in Indonesian offerings like Canang Sari, which are daily symbols of purity.

Visitors can also indulge in the Threshold Special, a pandan-flavoured cocktail or mocktail, further enhancing the cultural experience. This thoughtful integration of Indonesian cuisine into the exhibition makes the event an immersive sensory experience that combines art, spirituality, and flavour. The culinary offerings not only reflect Indonesian culture but also complement the ritualistic themes of the exhibition, where food and art meet to evoke deeper reflections.

The Cultural Roots of ‘Thresholds’: An Unseen Journey Through Transformation

The exhibition ‘Thresholds’ isn’t merely about observing art; it’s about diving deep into the roots of transformation in Indonesian culture. The featured artists—Galuh Anindita, Kei Imazu, Ines Katamso, and others—use their work to chart their personal journeys of transformation, be it political, spiritual, or physical. Each piece tells a story of crossing a threshold—the moment when life changes, and an individual undergoes a metamorphosis.

Whether it’s spiritual awakening or social change, these artists use their works to reflect on the challenges and journeys that define their identity. ‘Thresholds’ is thus an exploration of the self and the cultural forces that shape it, allowing audiences to glimpse the interconnectedness of spiritual beliefs, social change, and personal growth.

The Legacy of Balinese Poleng Cloth: Symbolising Harmony in Opposites

One of the key visual references in ‘Thresholds’ is the Balinese poleng cloth, which plays a central role in both the exhibition and the broader cultural context of Indonesia. Traditionally, this cloth is used to adorn statues, shrines, and sacred trees, symbolising the harmony between opposites. The bold, criss-crossing pattern of the poleng cloth becomes a metaphor for life’s dualities—good and bad, light and dark, death and life.

This symbol of balance and harmony reflects the philosophical underpinning of ‘Thresholds’. The exhibition takes inspiration from this traditional concept, where opposing forces are not in conflict but are part of a greater whole. The artists in the exhibition use this symbolic reference to represent their exploration of the balance between life and death, the spiritual and the political, and the individual and the collective.

The Hari Art Prize: The Ongoing Collaboration Between The Hari Hong Kong and White Cube

The partnership between The Hari Hong Kong and White Cube is not just a one-off event but part of an ongoing collaboration that includes the annual Hari Art Prize. This prize, which originated in The Hari London, has since expanded to Hong Kong, with Irene Bradbury, Global Director of Artist Liaison at White Cube, serving on the judging panel. The Hari Art Prize is an important platform for emerging artists, and the exhibition ‘Thresholds’ is an example of how The Hari and White Cube Hong Kong are committed to fostering the growth of contemporary art.

In 2023, The Hari Hong Kong introduced its first edition of the prize, and in 2026, the judging panel will include Wendy Xu, Managing Director of White Cube Asia. The collaboration not only brings global attention to emerging artists but also elevates the cultural landscape of Hong Kong by integrating contemporary art with the luxury hospitality sector.

‘Thresholds’ at The Hari Hong Kong: A Must-See Experience for Art Enthusiasts

The ‘Thresholds’ exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the transformation of Indonesian art and culture. The Hari Hong Kong, in partnership with White Cube, has brought together a groundbreaking collection of works by some of Indonesia’s most celebrated contemporary artists, making this exhibition a must-see for art lovers. The exhibition isn’t just about viewing art; it’s about experiencing the spiritual and emotional journey of transformation that transcends physical boundaries and connects with the soul.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a meaningful cultural experience, ‘Thresholds’ offers a deep and enriching journey into the heart of Indonesian culture. Don’t miss out on this transformative exhibition at The Hari Hong Kong, where art, ritual, and culture collide in a celebration of life’s most powerful cycles.