Entang Wiharso

Born in 1967 in Tegal, Zentral-Java, Indonesia
Lives and works in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
 

In Entang Wiharso’s work the artist’s own personal experiences are embedded with a strong examination of the predominant socio-political conditions of his home country. To him, creating work is a way of understanding the human condition, of heightening our ability to perceive, feel and understand human problems like love, hate, fanaticism, religion, and ideology. “I depict the condition of humans who are often divided by complex, multilayered political, ethnic, racial, and religious systems: they co-exist yet their communication is limited and indirect. Figures are interconnected by intuitive as well as intellectual linkages, including ornamental vegetation, tongues, tails, intestines, animal skin patterns, fences and detailed landscapes.“ (Entang Wiharso, 2011).
Recently, an increasing use of written text has entered his works: slogans, signs, philosophy or common phrases are collected from newspapers, political campaigns, quotes from important or influential people or characters from TV or films. Used directly or altered by i.e. changing the punch line, underlying meanings are exposed and add a further component to the complex artistic language of his work. His work shows ambiguous profiles, similar to the forms of giants in the myths of Java, and combines them with contemporary elements. He puts together “primitivism” with a cartoon’s language of his contemporary life, being able to transport primitivism in his actual reality.

CV
Entang Wiharso studied Painting at the Fine Art Department of the Indonesian Institute of Arts, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Selected solo exhibitions include "Conversation: Endless Acts in Human History. Entang Wiharso & Sally Smart" at Galeri Nasional Indonesia (2016),"Never Say No" at Singapore Tyler Print Institute, Singapore (2015), "Entang Wiharso" at Marc Straus, New York (2015), "Perfect Mirror" at Bernier/Eliades in Athens (2015), "Crush Me" at the Pearl Lam Galleries, Shanghai, China (2013), "Love Me or Die" at the Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia (2010), "Black Goat is My Last Defense" at the 5 Traverse Gallery, Providence, Rhode Island, USA (2008), "Puppet Blues" at the Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA (2006), as well as following group shows: "From Chagall to Kusama and Hatsune Miku" at the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan (2013), "Panorama: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia" at the Singapore Art Museum, Singapore (2012), "Beyond the East - Indonesian Contemporary Art" at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, Rome, Italy (2011), "Vault Portrait Series" at the New Bedford Art Museum, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA (2010) and "Wind from The East" at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland (2007)

Wiharso participated at the Art Stage Singapore (2014), in the 55th Venice Biennale, Indonesian Pavillon, Venice, Italy and in the Prague Biennale 6, Prague, Czech Republic (both 2013) as well as in the Yogyaqkarta Biennale XI, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2nd Open Terra Cotta Biennale (2007).

EXHIBTIONS:
ENTANG WIHARSO: UNTOLD STORIES
10 June - 25 August 2012

ASIA: LOOKING SOUTH
10 September - 27 October 2011
Group exhibition at ARNDT Berlin


 

Entang Wiharso, Evolution: Floating Garden Series #2, 2016, acrylic, glitter and Indian ink on canvas, 285 × 210 cm,  WIHA0135 Entang Wiharso, Evolution: Floating Garden Series #2, 2016, acrylic, glitter and Indian ink on canvas, 285 × 210 cm, WIHA0135
Aug 21, 2012

Current exhibition: Entang Wiharso "Untold Stories"

Entang Wiharso, Exhibition view: Entang Wiharso "Untold Stories" at ARNDT Berlin, June 2012 Entang Wiharso, Exhibition view: Entang Wiharso "Untold Stories" at ARNDT Berlin, June 2012 Entang Wiharso, Borderless: Floating Island, 2011-2012, graphite, resin, steel, brass, pigment, thread, 350 x 750 x 140 cm | 137.8 x 295.28 x 55.12 in, Edition 1 of 2 (plus 2 artists proofs, 1 with the island made from crushed brick and resin and the other with graphite.  The figures in both artists proofs are made with graphite/resin.) Entang Wiharso, Borderless: Floating Island, 2011-2012, graphite, resin, steel, brass, pigment, thread, 350 x 750 x 140 cm | 137.8 x 295.28 x 55.12 in, Edition 1 of 2 (plus 2 artists proofs, 1 with the island made from crushed brick and resin and the other with graphite. The figures in both artists proofs are made with graphite/resin.) Entang Wiharso, Exhibition view: Entang Wiharso "Untold Stories" at ARNDT Berlin, June  Entang Wiharso, Exhibition view: Entang Wiharso "Untold Stories" at ARNDT Berlin, June Entang Wiharso, Expanded Dreams #4, 2011, brass, resin, pigment, thread, 230 x 140 x 90 cm | 90.55 x 55.12 x 35.43 in, Edition 2 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof) Entang Wiharso, Expanded Dreams #4, 2011, brass, resin, pigment, thread, 230 x 140 x 90 cm | 90.55 x 55.12 x 35.43 in, Edition 2 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof) Entang Wiharso, Untold Story: Floating Island, 2012, Acrylic, oil on canvas , Triptych: 300 cm high x 600 cm wide (3 panels, each 300 cm x 200 cm) / 118.11 x 236.22 in (3 panels, each 118.11 x 78.74 in), # WIHA0034 Entang Wiharso, Untold Story: Floating Island, 2012, Acrylic, oil on canvas , Triptych: 300 cm high x 600 cm wide (3 panels, each 300 cm x 200 cm) / 118.11 x 236.22 in (3 panels, each 118.11 x 78.74 in), # WIHA0034 Entang Wiharso, Interfere: Reclaim Landscape, 2012, Acrylic and oil on canvas, 150 x 202 cm | 59.06 x 79.53 in, # WIHA0035 Entang Wiharso, Interfere: Reclaim Landscape, 2012, Acrylic and oil on canvas, 150 x 202 cm | 59.06 x 79.53 in, # WIHA0035 Entang Wiharso, Invisible Threat, 2012, Acrylic and Oil on Canvas , 251 x 146 cm | 98.82 x 57.48 in, # WIHA0036 Entang Wiharso, Invisible Threat, 2012, Acrylic and Oil on Canvas , 251 x 146 cm | 98.82 x 57.48 in, # WIHA0036 Entang Wiharso, Expanded Dreams, 2011-12, brass, aluminum, resin, pigment, thread, 60 x 200 x 60 cm | 23.62 x 78.74 x 23.62 in, Edition 1 of 3, # WIHA0037 Entang Wiharso, Expanded Dreams, 2011-12, brass, aluminum, resin, pigment, thread, 60 x 200 x 60 cm | 23.62 x 78.74 x 23.62 in, Edition 1 of 3, # WIHA0037 Entang Wiharso, Expanded Dream #2 , 2011, brass, aluminum, resin, pigment, thread (coated in polyurethane), 250 x 92 x 80 cm | 98.43 x 36.22 x 31.5 in, Edition 1 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof), # WIHA0044 Entang Wiharso, Expanded Dream #2 , 2011, brass, aluminum, resin, pigment, thread (coated in polyurethane), 250 x 92 x 80 cm | 98.43 x 36.22 x 31.5 in, Edition 1 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof), # WIHA0044 Entang Wiharso, Paradise Lost, 2012, aluminum, resin, pigment, thread (polyurethane coating), 125 x 90 cm | 49.21 x 35.43 in, Edition 1 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof), # WIHA0046 Entang Wiharso, Paradise Lost, 2012, aluminum, resin, pigment, thread (polyurethane coating), 125 x 90 cm | 49.21 x 35.43 in, Edition 1 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof), # WIHA0046 Entang Wiharso, Undermind: Can We Stay Together?, 2012, aluminum, brass, resin, pigment, thread (coated in polyurethane), 108 cm high x 110 cm wide (figure 1), 106 cm high x 55 cm wide (figure 2), 112 cm high x 60 cm high (figure 3), Edition 1 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof), # WIHA0047 Entang Wiharso, Undermind: Can We Stay Together?, 2012, aluminum, brass, resin, pigment, thread (coated in polyurethane), 108 cm high x 110 cm wide (figure 1), 106 cm high x 55 cm wide (figure 2), 112 cm high x 60 cm high (figure 3), Edition 1 of 2 (plus 1 graphite/resin artist proof), # WIHA0047

Entang Wiharso
"Untold Stories"
Opening: 9 June from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The artist will be present.

11 June to 25 August 2012
Please click here to view a complete list of exhibited works.

ARNDT is pleased to present the first solo exhibition of Entang Wiharso in Germany with a selection of new paintings, sculptures and reliefs.
A figure lies rigid on the ground as if bound to the spot. Head in profile, his sharp gaze is directed out toward the viewer. His expression is one of quiet apprehension and uncertainty, perhaps even fear. Slightly behind him sits another, smaller figure. She draws our attention to the closed umbrella grasped in her loved one’s left hand. The two figures, perhaps they are lovers, partners, are situated within a landscape that is both fertile and desolate. Painstakingly detailed foliage of tropical plants painted in silhouette, and the rugged barren hills upon which they grow are rendered in inky blacks. Watery streaks cascade down, seemingly eroding away waking reality. Floating above the scene are three islands roughly carved from the landscape below, water coming to take their place. One of them has come under attack, several kris (Javanese dagger) remain wedged in its surface. The distorted and dismembered bodies that inhabit these islands are in a palette of pasty reds and bubble-gum pinks. Cords, lifelines, bloodlines or bowels connect all the elements, and seem to end and begin with the male figure as if he dreams the world into being.
The above refers to the large triptych, 'Untold Story: Floating Island, 2012', an autobiographical work that brings together all the complex of figures, archetypes, and composite portraits to be found throughout Untold Stories, Entang Wiharso’s first solo exhibition with ARNDT Berlin and in Germany. The title of the exhibition is taken from the book Pak Harto: Untold Stories, which is part of an effort by family and remaining supporters to posthumously re-fashion and put a more positive spin on the image of Suharto, the second and ousted President of Indonesia, whose authoritarian regime of more than three decades ended in 1998. The disclosure of personal experiences and events, as well anecdotes and photos taken from private collections integrates the micro-politics of a man’s personal life with the macro-politics of the nation. Appropriating the book’s title for his own exhibition is Entang’s response to what he sees as a false image. He also subtly taps into its inherent appeal of ‘personal disclosure’. Like in his previous works, the artist posits his role and position as both story and storyteller, as storyteller embedded in the story.
Born in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia, Wiharso currently lives and works in Rhode Island, USA, and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He had several international solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions worldwide. Entang Wiharso has been invited to participate in a group exhibition at the first Indonesian Pavillion during the Venice Biennial 2013.

Feb 25, 2014

CURRENT SOLO EXHIBITION WITH ENTANG WIHARSO AT ARNDT SINGAPORE

Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, Installation view, ARNDT Singapore, 2014 Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, Installation view, ARNDT Singapore, 2014 Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, Installation view, ARNDT Singapore, 2014 Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, Installation view, ARNDT Singapore, 2014 Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, Installation view, ARNDT Singapore, 2014  Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, Installation view, ARNDT Singapore, 2014 Entang Wiharso, Timeless, 2014, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Oil and acrylic on canvas, 186 x 200 cm | 73.23 x 78.74 in, # WIHA0090 Entang Wiharso, Timeless, 2014, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Oil and acrylic on canvas, 186 x 200 cm | 73.23 x 78.74 in, # WIHA0090 Entang Wiharso, Double Portrait, 2013, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Copper, resin, thread, color pigment, 120 x 140 cm | 47.24 x 55.12 in, Number 1 from an edition of 2 + 1 AP in brass, # WIHA0093 Entang Wiharso, Double Portrait, 2013, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Copper, resin, thread, color pigment, 120 x 140 cm | 47.24 x 55.12 in, Number 1 from an edition of 2 + 1 AP in brass, # WIHA0093 Entang Wiharso, Beginning - Perfect Enemy, 2013, From the series: Untold Stories, Brass, resin, colour pigment, thread, 270 x 170 cm | 106.3 x 66.93 in, Number 2 from an edition of 2 in brass + 1 AP in aluminum, # WIHA0094 Entang Wiharso, Beginning - Perfect Enemy, 2013, From the series: Untold Stories, Brass, resin, colour pigment, thread, 270 x 170 cm | 106.3 x 66.93 in, Number 2 from an edition of 2 in brass + 1 AP in aluminum, # WIHA0094 Entang Wiharso, I Am Watching You, 2013, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Copper, thread, color pigment, resin, 87 x 122 cm | 34.25 x 48.03 in, Number 1 from an edition of 2 in brass + 1 AP in copper, # WIHA0095 Entang Wiharso, I Am Watching You, 2013, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Copper, thread, color pigment, resin, 87 x 122 cm | 34.25 x 48.03 in, Number 1 from an edition of 2 in brass + 1 AP in copper, # WIHA0095 Entang Wiharso, Fake and Real - Live Together Forever, 2013, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Imitation flowers, graphite, resin, color pigment, 30 cm diameter x 120 cm tall | 11,81 in diameter x 47,24 in tall, Number 2 from an edition of 3 in graphite + 1 AP in aluminum, # WIHA0096 Entang Wiharso, Fake and Real - Live Together Forever, 2013, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Imitation flowers, graphite, resin, color pigment, 30 cm diameter x 120 cm tall | 11,81 in diameter x 47,24 in tall, Number 2 from an edition of 3 in graphite + 1 AP in aluminum, # WIHA0096 Entang Wiharso, To See and Be Seen - Endless, 2012-2014, From the series: Untold Story, Graphite, resin, steel, mirrors, 255 cm x 9 cm diameter | 100,39 in x 3,54 in diameter, # WIHA0097 Entang Wiharso, To See and Be Seen - Endless, 2012-2014, From the series: Untold Story, Graphite, resin, steel, mirrors, 255 cm x 9 cm diameter | 100,39 in x 3,54 in diameter, # WIHA0097 Entang Wiharso, How Far Can You Go - Comic Book Series, 2010, From the series: Love Me or Die, Aluminum, 183 x 262 cm | 72.05 x 103.15 in, # WIHA0098 Entang Wiharso, How Far Can You Go - Comic Book Series, 2010, From the series: Love Me or Die, Aluminum, 183 x 262 cm | 72.05 x 103.15 in, # WIHA0098 Entang Wiharso, Perfect Mirror, 2013-2014, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Oil color on mirror, aluminum, thread, resin, color pigment, 220 x 330 cm | 86.61 x 129.92 in, Number 1 from an edition of 2 in aluminum + 2 AP (one in aluminum and one in graphite), # WIHA0099 Entang Wiharso, Perfect Mirror, 2013-2014, From the series: Geo-Portrait, Oil color on mirror, aluminum, thread, resin, color pigment, 220 x 330 cm | 86.61 x 129.92 in, Number 1 from an edition of 2 in aluminum + 2 AP (one in aluminum and one in graphite), # WIHA0099 Entang Wiharso, Promising Land - Comic Book Series, 2009, From the series: Love Me or Die, Aluminum, resin, thread, color pigment, 260 x 100 cm | 102.36 x 39.37 in Number 1 from an edition of 2 in aluminum + 1 AP in aluminum, # WIHA0100 Entang Wiharso, Promising Land - Comic Book Series, 2009, From the series: Love Me or Die, Aluminum, resin, thread, color pigment, 260 x 100 cm | 102.36 x 39.37 in Number 1 from an edition of 2 in aluminum + 1 AP in aluminum, # WIHA0100

ENTANG WIHARSO
TRILOGY

Solo exhibition at ARNDT Singapore
March 6 - May 4, 2014


Entang Wiharso and Matthias Arndt on "Trilogy" show at ARNDT Singapore

PRESS RELEASE

Entang Wiharso is an internationally acknowledged artist, particularly known for his large scale paintings, wall sculptures and installations. He is one of the most significant artists working in Southeast Asia today. His works have been exhibited extensively in various contexts: gallery shows, public and private collections displays as well as biennales and group shows in Indonesia and abroad. Wiharso’s solo exhibition ‘Trilogy’ will open on 5 March, 2014. ARNDT Singapore is pleased to be presenting a new body of work by the artist.
In Entang Wiharso’s work the artist’s own personal experiences are embedded with a strong examination of the predominant socio-political conditions of his home country. To him, creating work is a way of understanding the human condition, of heightening our ability to perceive, feel and understand human problems like love, hate, fanaticism, religion, and ideology. “I depict the condition of humans who are often divided by complex, multilayered political, ethnic, racial, and religious systems: they co-exist yet their communication is limited and indirect. Figures are interconnected by intuitive as well as intellectual linkages, including ornamental vegetation, tongues, tails, intestines, animal skin patterns, fences and detailed landscapes.“ (Entang Wiharso, 2011).
The name “Trilogy” stems from Entang Wiharso’s desire to re-examine and re-articulate the ideas presented in three recent solo exhibitions: Love Me or Die (Indonesian National Gallery, 2010), Untold Stories (ARNDT Berlin, 2012) and Geo-Portrait (Primae Noctis, Lugano, 2013 and Salihara, Jakarta, 2013). “Trilogy is three interconnected themes, issues urgent for me to talk about in this moment.
I created the work for awareness, as investigations and as an open question to myself.” The sculpture and paintings presented are intensely concerned with the complicated and elusive character of ‘reality’, which he seeks to represent in its fullness and multiplicity. He looks at events through the prism of his own experience and is both narrator and participant, blurring the line between observed truth and imagination. By mingling the sober reporting of an everyday event with the suddenly intruding vision of a dream, he offers us an understanding of the complex conditions of our own lives. “The Perfect Mirror” (2013-2014) came out of a conversation the artist had with his wife about the historical figure of Samuel Sewall, famous for his role as a judge in the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts in 1692. The notable aspect of Sewall’s life that attracted Wiharso to his story was his realization of the terrible mistake he made condemning 20 people to death on witchcraft charges, and then how he dealt with that knowledge the remainder of his life. Looking at his story and current events in Indonesia, the artist wanted to examine the impact of the failure of leadership to admit mistakes. He thought about the all too common situation when leaders do something terrible that has an incredible impact on the life of society and yet the individual refuses to acknowledge responsibility or express a sense of regret. Wiharso is interested in the alternative value and possibility of repentance; how a conscience is formed and manifested. The oval shape of a mirror that is often found in homes connects the public to the work, to give a sense of familiarity, understanding and ownership.
Entang Wiharso participated in the 55th Venice Biennale in 2013, where his work constituted
a significant part of the Indonesian Pavilion. Wiharso’s work was also on view in several institutional shows, amongst most recently: “All You Need is LOVE” (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2013), Prague Biennale 6 (2013), “Panorama: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia” (Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2012).

Entang Wiharso was born 1967 in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia. He studied painting at the Fine Art Department of the Indonesian Institute of Arts, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He currently lives and works in Rhode Island, USA and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIST OF ARTWORKS

PRESS: BLOUIN ARTINFO | March 2014 | Entang Wiharso Opens New Show in Singapore

PRESS: Art Asia Pacific Interview | March 2014 | Entang Wiharso

PRESS: Straits Times Interview | March 2014 | Entang Wiharso

Mai 21, 2014

ARNDT is pleased to announce a new publication by Entang Wiharso "Trilogy"

Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, 2014 Entang Wiharso, Trilogy, 2014

"Trilogy" was published on the occasion of Entang Wiharso's solo exhibition at ARNDT Singapore in 2014.

The publication "Trilogy" features the essays of Entang Wiharso, Christine E. Cocca, Natalie King, Alia Swastika, Amanda Katherine Rath, Suwarno Wisetrotomo, Jim Supangkat, Syamsul Barry, Nicola Trezzi, Nirwan Dewanto, Helena Spanjaard, Rifky Effendy as well as Asikin Hasan and includes a catalog of the artworks featured in the exhibition.

Published in 2014 / 312 pages, many colour plates
Bound / Hard cover
English

Exhibitions

PRESS RELEASE

ENTANG WIHARSO
TRILOGY


Solo exhibition at ARNDT Singapore
March 6 - May 4, 2014


Entang Wiharso and Matthias Arndt on "Trilogy" show at ARNDT Singapore

PRESS RELEASE

Entang Wiharso is an internationally acknowledged artist, particularly known for his large scale paintings, wall sculptures and installations. He is one of the most significant artists working in Southeast Asia today. His works have been exhibited extensively in various contexts: gallery shows, public and private collections displays as well as biennales and group shows in Indonesia and abroad. Wiharso’s solo exhibition ‘Trilogy’ will open on 5 March, 2014. ARNDT Singapore is pleased to be presenting a new body of work by the artist.
In Entang Wiharso’s work the artist’s own personal experiences are embedded with a strong examination of the predominant socio-political conditions of his home country. To him, creating work is a way of understanding the human condition, of heightening our ability to perceive, feel and understand human problems like love, hate, fanaticism, religion, and ideology. “I depict the condition of humans who are often divided by complex, multilayered political, ethnic, racial, and religious systems: they co-exist yet their communication is limited and indirect. Figures are interconnected by intuitive as well as intellectual linkages, including ornamental vegetation, tongues, tails, intestines, animal skin patterns, fences and detailed landscapes.“ (Entang Wiharso, 2011).
The name “Trilogy” stems from Entang Wiharso’s desire to re-examine and re-articulate the ideas presented in three recent solo exhibitions: Love Me or Die (Indonesian National Gallery, 2010), Untold Stories (ARNDT Berlin, 2012) and Geo-Portrait (Primae Noctis, Lugano, 2013 and Salihara, Jakarta, 2013). “Trilogy is three interconnected themes, issues urgent for me to talk about in this moment.
I created the work for awareness, as investigations and as an open question to myself.” The sculpture and paintings presented are intensely concerned with the complicated and elusive character of ‘reality’, which he seeks to represent in its fullness and multiplicity. He looks at events through the prism of his own experience and is both narrator and participant, blurring the line between observed truth and imagination. By mingling the sober reporting of an everyday event with the suddenly intruding vision of a dream, he offers us an understanding of the complex conditions of our own lives. “The Perfect Mirror” (2013-2014) came out of a conversation the artist had with his wife about the historical figure of Samuel Sewall, famous for his role as a judge in the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts in 1692. The notable aspect of Sewall’s life that attracted Wiharso to his story was his realization of the terrible mistake he made condemning 20 people to death on witchcraft charges, and then how he dealt with that knowledge the remainder of his life. Looking at his story and current events in Indonesia, the artist wanted to examine the impact of the failure of leadership to admit mistakes. He thought about the all too common situation when leaders do something terrible that has an incredible impact on the life of society and yet the individual refuses to acknowledge responsibility or express a sense of regret. Wiharso is interested in the alternative value and possibility of repentance; how a conscience is formed and manifested. The oval shape of a mirror that is often found in homes connects the public to the work, to give a sense of familiarity, understanding and ownership.
Entang Wiharso participated in the 55th Venice Biennale in 2013, where his work constituted
a significant part of the Indonesian Pavilion. Wiharso’s work was also on view in several institutional shows, amongst most recently: “All You Need is LOVE” (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2013), Prague Biennale 6 (2013), “Panorama: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia” (Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2012).

Entang Wiharso was born 1967 in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia. He studied painting at the Fine Art Department of the Indonesian Institute of Arts, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He currently lives and works in Rhode Island, USA and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ARTWORKS

PRESS: Art Asia Pacific Interview | March 2014 | Entang Wiharso

PRESS: Straits Times Interview | March 2014 | Entang Wiharso
 

Kindred by Choice #1

ARNDT Singapore at Gillman Barracks
4 July 2013 – 30 August 2013
Opening on 3 July, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Please join Fair Director of Art Stage Singapore, Mr Lorenzo Rudolf, in conversation with Entang Wiharso and Matthias Arndt at the opening of Kindred by Choice #1.

Jumaldi Alfi – Martin Kippenberger
Fendry Ekel – Andy Warhol
Entang Wiharso – Daniel Richter

 

ARNDT Singapore is pleased to announce the 3rd project in its Gillman Barracks space, Kindred by Choice #1.
It is the first of a new series of shows which aims to showcase Asian artists face-à-face with one artist of their choice on the same platform. Goethe’s novel of the same title is also translated as Elective Affinities from the original German title, Die Wahlverwandtschaften. The terminology, elective affinities, is a “scientific law according to which elements of innate affinities will choose, or elect, to bond together, even if they must break out of previously formed unions in order to do so.”  The characters in the book, Kindred by Choice, were attracted by way of these elective affinities.
In the Singapore gallery, ARNDT aims to create a prolific juxtaposition by placing Indonesian artists in the same arena with artists from Germany and America, to demonstrate elective affinities or the kindred choices of today. In Kindred by Choice #1, three established Indonesian artists - Entang Wiharso, Fendry Ekel, and Jumaldi Alfi – will conduct a visual conversation with three artists they chose personally - Daniel Richter, Andy Warhol, and Martin Kippenberger.

Jumaldi Alfi (born 1972 in Lintau, West Sumatra, Indonesia; lives and works in Yogyakarta) is the co-founder and a member of the Jendela Art Group who in the early phase of their artistic career, dealing with themes which were distanced from socio-political issues as well as from artwork which capitalized on sophistication of a painterly execution of realist paintings, surprised their audience. Alfi will conduct a visual dialogue with Martin Kippenberger through their self-reflective oeuvres. How they conclude with their conversation is to be seen, through the handwritten messages from the artists, which will be revealed through the artists’ discourse.

Martin Kippenberger (born 1953 in Dortmund, Germany; died 1997 in Vienna, Austria). Kippenberger produced a rich and diverse body of work from the mid 1970s until his untimely death at the age of 44 and is now regarded as one of the most influential artists of his time. He was a master appropriator who consistently absorbed, challenged and transformed the world around him. His work draws on popular culture, art, architecture, music, politics, history and his own life – where no subject remained sacred.

Fendry Ekel (born 1971 in Jakarta, Indonesia; lives and works in Amsterdam, Berlin and Yogyakarta), explores the dark side of human ambition in his paintings. Often painted after black and white photographs which depict portraits and architecture, he investigates the use of art, architecture, and figuration as a means of propaganda for ideologies and confronts himself where the border of ethical and aesthetical values crossover, through his monumental, layered canvases. In Kindred by Choice #1, the artist, whose subject matter is at times, remnants of events occurring in the past, will have a conversation with Andy Warhol. Ekel appropriates images from our collective memory, as Warhol has in his famed prints, as if to conjure up memories of these frozen moments or personalities within the walls of our gallery space.

Andy Warhol (born 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA, died 1987 in New York City, NY) is a leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. He is known for his prints of mass-produced images from American pop culture such as Campbell’s soup cans, as well as portraits of celebrity figures such as Marilyn Monroe. His work was created in his studio, called the Factory, which became a hang-out for artists, actors, and musicians.

Entang Wiharso (born 1967 in Tegal, Zentral-Java, Indonesia; lives and works in Yogyakarta) is one of Indonesia’s most provocative and engaging artists of today, and is one of the artists representing Indonesia in the Venice Biennale this year. He creates paintings and installations which combine Javanese mythology with personal and public memories. Through his work, Entang casts a critical eye on multiple issues including international politics, environmental issues, and stereotypes prevalent in cultures. Entang will face Daniel Richter. Will Entang, with his distinct depiction of human figures, at times clothed, at times naked, clutching onto themselves for dear life or viscera loosely reaching out to other life forms, have a lesson to teach Richter, in all of his psychedelic depiction of the world?

Daniel Richter (born 1962 in Lütjenburg, Germany; lives and works in Berlin, Hamburg, and Vienna) is a renowned German artist that works with an eclectic fusion of the genre of history painting and contemporary imagery taken from newspapers and magazines. His path to fame was launched with his “psychedelic” colorful abstract work in the 1990s, and shot to fame later on in the decade with this large-scale, figurative works.

Please click here to view a list of exhibited works.


For any further information or press images, please contact Mariko Owen (mariko@arndtberlin.com; +65 67340775).

"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 | Click on image to see more "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 | Click on image to see more
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013
"Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013 "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" - Exhibition View at ARNDT Berlin, April - June 2013

SIP! INDONESIAN ART TODAY / SENI RUPA INDONESIA KINI

The past three generations of Indonesian Contemporary Art

Group show by ARNDT Berlin

27 April to 01 June 2013
Tue – Sat, 11am – 6pm

Please click here to watch a video of the "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" show in Berlin.

The exhibition "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" and the accompanying publication results from ARNDT’s recent focus on Southeast Asian art and the new Asian and Pacific art markets. Over the past four years Matthias Arndt has worked in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. His research, the past shows of Southeast Asian artists and the opening of ARNDT Singapore, the Asian showroom and office of ARNDT, makes Matthias Arndt one of the leading experts for contemporary Indonesian and Southeast Asian Art in Germany and Europe.

The exhibition "Sip! Indonesian Art Today", curated by Enin Supriyanto, is the 10th show dedicated to Southeast Asian art ARNDT is hosting in Singapore, Australia, Great Britain and Berlin. The 150 page publication "Sip! Indonesian Art Today" edited by Matthias Arndt and published at DISTANZ Verlag (ISBN 978-3-95476-007-7) is available in all bookstores.

The public talk "The last three decades of artistic production in Indonesia: 25 years of Cemeti Art House and the status of curating. with Enin Supriyanto (curator) and Mella Jaarsma (artist), moderated by Katerina Valdivia Bruch (curator / critic) will take place at ARNDT Berlin on 27 April 2013 at 4 pm.


The exhibition presents over 40 works from all artistic mediums, painting, sculpture, installation, photography and film, by 16 contemporary artists from Indonesia. They belong to a larger community of artists who are actively shaping Indonesia’s dynamic developing contemporary art scene. If we consider their age and career development, the artists here represent 3 generations of contemporary art practice dating back from the late 1970s: beginning first with FX Harsono, one of the proponents of the Indonesian New Art Movement (Gerakan Seni Rupa Baru) founded in 1975 followed by a group of artists who emerged at a time when Indonesia was undergoing major socio-political transformations in its strive towards democracy during the late 1990s (Agung Kurniawan, Agus Suwage, Mella Jaarsma), the post-Reformasi (Reformation) generation of artists (Christine Ay Tjoe, Entang Wiharso, Rudi Mantofani, Handiwirman Saputra, Eko Nugroho, Syagini Ratna Wulan and Arin Dwihartanto Sunaryo), and finally a generation of artists who have been active in the past decade, sophisticated operators of their own careers in a more or less stable and democratic Indonesia (Wedhar Riyadi, J. Ariadithya Pramuhendra, Wiyoga Muhardanto, Indieguerillas and Tromarama).

The generational differences do not only represent differing socio-political experiences in connection with the development of Indonesia’s society in the past three decades but also illustrates the differing socio-political contexts of the artists observations and artistic approaches that have changed and altered over the years.

The word “Sip” in Bahasa Indonesia may be a simple and modest one but it is full of meaning. While the origin of this word is unknown, it is a word that is used by nearly everyone every day. “Sip” is the briefest way to state that something – whether an art work, an event, an experience or anything – is good, of good quality, super or outstanding even. Like this word, and like the process of our ongoing global culture, we do not question the origin of an idea, but we consider how this idea can continue to grow and contribute to the interaction and civilization of the world. In a way, we can say that ‘Sip’ has no such thing as exotic cultural background, neither stereotypical cultural baggage. Whatever the case, the meaning is clear: good, great, outstanding.

FX Harsono | Mella Jaarsma | Agung Kurniawan | Agus Suwage
Wedhar Riyadi | Christine Ay Tjoe | Eko Nugroho | Entang Wiharso
Handiwirman Saputra | Arin Dwihartanto Sunaryo | Syagini Ratna Wulan | Rudi Mantofani
J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra | Wiyoga Muhardanto | Indieguerrilas | Tromarama

For more information and images, please contact info@arndtberlin.com or +49 30 206 13870.

Please click here to download the press release as PDF file (English)

Please click here to download the press release as PDF file (German)
 

Entang Wiharso
Untold Stories
Opening: 9 June 2012 - all day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
10 June to 8 September 2012

Please click here to view a complete list of exhibited works.

Entang Wiharso, Half Degree of Separation - Self Portrait Under National History, 2015, resin, steel, car paint, polyurethane coating, 300 cm (high) x 90 cm (diameter) Entang Wiharso, Half Degree of Separation - Self Portrait Under National History, 2015, resin, steel, car paint, polyurethane coating, 300 cm (high) x 90 cm (diameter)

This work was conceived as a self-portrait which links historic events with personal identity. The reliefs around the body of the gas tank depict episodes from Indonesian history from the colonial period through the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Without a beginning or end, the images reflect how past events can be reactivated by current experiences. The monumental scale of the work suggests the weight of history and events that are often beyond our control. The gas tank is a common object in Indonesian homes. Frequent news reports tell how defective units unexpectedly explode, killing or injuring people in their homes. These tragedies lead to talk of consumer protections and strategies to improve safety and accountability, but little changes and the risk remains. This latent risk mirrors Indonesian history, which has seen times of peace interspersed with violence and tragedy. The flowers speak to the desire to “decorate” or cover over dark episodes, attempts to either ignore or suppress anxiety and risks. Each of us is an embodiment of history, living on and manifesting in our daily lives.

About LOCK ROUTE
Taking inspiration from 9 Lock Road, the address of Gillman Barracks and traditional, 24km long route march common in the training of ‘graduating’ army recruits in Singapore, Lock Route invite visitors to traverse the knolls of this repurposed army barracks as part of their encounters with art. In a concoction of the eclectic, the urban and contemporary aesthetics from a line-up of international artists, this outdoor exhibition illicit both mental introspect and physical responses. Lock Route is currated by Khairuddin Hori.