National Gallery Combines Conventional, Three-Dimentional Sculptures in Triennale
Jakarta. The National Gallery of Indonesia presented works by 46 local sculptors in an exhibition titled "Skala" ("Scale") in Central Jakarta on Thursday (07/09).
The triennial sculpture exhibition aims to map sculpture development in Indonesia.
Held for the first time in 2011, the previous exhibitions were themed "Expansion" and "Version."
"The exhibition seeks to combine the two previous exhibitions, which present a new approach to sculpture art in Indonesia," curator Rizki A. Zailani said.
In the last three years, curators Rizki and Asikin Hasan have photographed and recorded the current phenomenon occurring with all the developments but remained associated with the two previous exhibitions.
"The first edition featured the work of three-dimensional sculptors and the second featured the work of 80 conventional sculptors. With this year's exhibition, we want to feature combinations between the two elements into our medium," Rizki said.
The theme he initiated for this year's exhibition is based on the problem of reinforcing the skills aspect in the sculpting tradition, which was initiated in the previous exhibition.
"Before the 3-D machine was booming, these artists used to create their sculptures in the conventional way. However, with the development of technology, these artists now have another option to create their sculptures," Rizki said.
"Therefore, this exhibition is held to explore the possibilities if these two techniques can be combined to create sculptures without neglecting their originality."
Senior sculptor Ichwan Noor showcased his latest work, called "The God of War," which replicates the Chinese God of War, known as Guan Yu.
Combining aluminum and engine blocks, Ichwan said the elements represent an economic state, which dominates the world.
"I am inspired by the phenomena in which we can't be separated from Chinese products. We can't deny that most of the products we own are made in China, such as the cameras we use, the clothes we wear and the rice cookers we have at home," Ichwan said.
"So, I was inspired by how China can dominate almost all of our lives. These engine blocks also represent the industrial side of it."
Sculptor Handiwirman Saputra meanwhile showcased his work called "Tak Berakar, Tak Berpucuk. Benda #09" ("Rootless, Edgeless, Objects No. 09"), which is made from everyday materials such as fabrics, screen print puff ink, plywood, corrugated roof sheets, steel and Styrofoam beads.
Two giant bags filled with Styrofoam beads are sealed tight with corrugated roof sheets mixed with plywood and steel, tied with a silver wire, replicating a giant boat.
"The art of sculpture is no longer restricted by traditional sculptural concepts, it can be assembled, glued, or constructed in various ways. I guess this is what Handiwirman wants to convey in his work," Rizki said during the exhibition tour.
"A sculpture doesn't always have a meaning. The artists can let their audiences interpret the work," Rizki added.
On the other hand, artist Eddi Prabandono showcased his latest contemporary sculpture called "Green, Green Go Ahead, which combines the door of an old Volkswagen Beetle with a silver-colored bicycle.
Eddi said his work is inspired by his concern over environmental damage caused by pollutants.
"My work is actually inspired by the withdrawal of Volkswagen cars because of its emission problems," Eddi said. "It tells how important it is for us to keep the earth clean and safe for everyone to live."
Besides Ichwan, Handiwirman and Eddi, the exhibition also features other works by both junior and senior sculptors, such as Agung Santosa, Rita Wigdagdo, Diliyan Riski, Amrizal Salayan, Adi Nugroho and Eko Nugroho.
The exhibition runs until Sept. 26.
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