Cahaya Maluku: Moluccan Artists in the Spotlight

Cahaya Maluku marks 75 years of the Moluccan presence in the Netherlands and, curated by Lars Bogaers, brings together work by nine contemporary artists with Moluccan roots. Drawing from diverse generations, diasporas and island groups, they demonstrate the multifaceted nature of Moluccan identity. The exhibition centres on themes such as memory, migration, family history, connectedness and cultural transmission.

At the same time, the exhibition looks to the future and to the new generation of artists who portray their Moluccan heritage in a contemporary way. The title Cahaya Maluku means ‘Light of the Moluccas’ and symbolises hope, strength, visibility and connection. Through paintings, drawings, installations and textiles, the artists explore themes such as identity, colonial history, spirituality and a sense of home.

The exhibition demonstrates that there is no single Moluccan narrative, but rather a rich diversity of personal and collective perspectives. Furthermore, Cahaya Maluku aims to raise the profile of Moluccan cultural heritage and to create opportunities for engagement and dialogue with a wide audience.