A New Eye on Ramadan: Illustrated Ramadan Jakarta
March marks an entry into Ramadan, observed amongst Muslims as the holy month of fasting, of remembrance, and of reflection. Beyond personal introspection, it has been embraced as a month of collective celebrations within, and beyond the community; non-Muslims are participating in the fast and hunting takjil, and Buka Bersama, has been a common celebration that brings together families, friends, and co-workers of all faiths to be with and feast together. Over the past few years, Ramadan has grown to become a public ritual — belonging and welcoming everyone.
This spirit of openness has brought more hustle and bustle across Jakarta, as crowds make their way from one end to another. Restaurants are open until 2AM to facilitate those preparing for Sahur, cafes prepare specially-crafted desserts with fusioned flavours (i.e. dates x matcha, etc.) reminiscent of the holy month, and events continue to spark public participation. Amongst the many, JICAF (Jakarta Illustration and Creative Fair) have brought their own excitement by bringing forth a contemporary take on the celebration of Ramadan.
From March 6-15 2026, JICAF is launching Illustrated Ramadan Jakarta at Ashta 8 District, which brings together regional illustrators to design a new vision for Ramadan. The event was initiated as a response to their dissatisfaction towards the existing (and popular) visual language associated with Ramadan, as the team claimed that the “visual language remains repetitive, generic and disconnected from how young Indonesians actually live today”. In Illustrated Ramadan Jakarta, they sought to imagine a new light for the holy month; one that is minimalist, expressive, cosmopolitan and rooted.
Driven by a curatorial approach of care and community, Illustrated Ramadan Jakarta is stacked with several programming: a contemporary exhibition of Islamic-inspired illustration, a curated marketplace for those interested in stocking hampers for Ramadan gift-giving, a series of intimate talks and workshops and communal evenings to break fast.
Called “Light Upon Light”, the exhibition stands as an answer to their ambition of redesigning Ramadan, where a series of illustrators will present their work that explores the themes of patience, renewal, generosity and illumination – virtues deeply associated and nurtured throughout the holy month. The catalogue largely features modern compositions and restrained use of colour, which is reflective as a growing preference of design styles amongst Indonesian youth and a homage to their balance of tethering the contemplative and contemporary. Exhibiting artists include Naime Pakniyat, Nugraha Pratama, Ceyza Amera, Ummi Damas, Eyalilut, Ria Ridwana, Maryam Nisa, and many more.
JICAF continues their signature “supermarket of art” concept, reframing art as something to live with, rather than to merely observe. Through the Gifting Market, JICAF offers a carefully curated selection of prints, objects, limited editions, collaborations, and small gestures designed for gift-giving throughout the holy month. The intention is to carry, and share beauty and meaning within the objects, making it accessible to everyone’s homes.
With that being said, Illustrated Ramadan Jakarta carries a newfound celebration of Ramadan that not only suits the lifestyle of Jakartans but pays homage to the important virtues of the holy month. Through art prints and talks, JICAF places meaning into creative expression.
