After officially opening to the public on Monday (10 November), visitors can now enjoy artworks by 12 artists in the exhibition titled "Indonesia Tanah Airku, Tanah Tumpah Darahku". The artworks are elegantly displayed on the white walls of Zen1 Gallery in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
One of the most intriguing pieces in the exhibition is a unique work that seamlessly combines two-dimensional visuals with interactive technology. Visitors are invited to engage with this artwork by selecting images to be projected, made possible by the synergy of projection technology, digital cameras and computer programming.
Entitled "Mengatur Siasat, Mengatur Persepsi (Managing tactics, managing perception)", the piece, created by the collective art group Arafura, offers a contemporary interpretation of the monumental work by S. Sudjojono that serves as the central theme of the exhibition.
By allowing the audience to select images, the artwork encourages active participation in reconstructing the understanding of the concept of nationalism. Each selection results in a unique visual configuration that reflects an individual's perspective on the values inherited from previous generations.
Through this work, Arafura presents a fascinating aesthetic experiment that invites reflection on how individual perceptions can be visualised and shared in the public sphere. More than 50 sketches and animations inspired by S. Sudjojono's works form the basis of a visual exploration rich in meaning.
Turbulent: The Cycles of History
In contrast to the approach taken by other artists, Awang Behartawan presents a unique perspective through his work entitled "Turbulent/Bergolak". In this piece, he visualises a large circle at the centre of the composition, surrounded by various streams flowing around it.
The concept of the painting is rooted in a universal principle, that of fractals or repeating patterns. Awang Behartawan sees turmoil as an inevitable phenomenon in human history, a cycle that repeats itself again and again.
Although such turmoil occurs in different times and places, its essence remains the same. A recent example he cites is the change in power that coincides with the ongoing plans to relocate the nation's capital.
The Forgotten Heroes
The painting "Mengatur Siasat Setelah S. Sudjojono (Strategizing After S. Sudjojono)" by Ugo Untoro is a powerful statement about the role of women in history. By placing women at the centre, Untoro challenges traditional views that often overlook the contributions of women in national struggles.
Through this work, the artist invites audiences to re-evaluate the existing historical narrative and acknowledge the important role women have played in shaping the nation. The rural landscape and volcanic mountain serve as symbols of the natural strength and indomitable spirit of the female warriors.
