Fantasy and humor at Koi exhibition

Fantasy and humor at Koi exhibition

JAKARTA (JP): Fantasy and humor are the subjects of the
current exhibition at Koi Gallery & Restaurant, showcasing the
works of painter Hafid Alibasyah and sculptor Yana WS.

"Many of my works are underlined with jokes. But since art is
subjective, others may not get the joke," admitted Yana WS as he
spoke about the resin-copper sculpture Crocodile Shoes and the
mixed-media-and-resin sculpture Lady Western. The latter depicts
a pair of high heeled shoes with spikes on the heels and spurs on
the back.

"It's a commentary on the violence we see in the media, and
how women too are capable of such violence," said Yana.

Yana admits that he would like the message of his works to be
understood universally. Another sculpture is a remodeling of the
Statue of Liberty, but with the face of Mike Tyson.

"I wanted to show the democratic nature of the United States,"
explained Yana.

Unfortunately, Mike Tyson, whose conviction of rape was
largely believed by African-Americans to be influenced by his
color, is hardly a symbol of African-American success in American
society.

Yana's works are indeed controversial at first sight. The
sculpture of a woman's legs whose groin is replaced by what looks
like a nutcracker, may be interpreted by some as a paranoid view
on women's sexuality. Yana explains that the sculpture is a
commentary on work, and how, "work, whether done by men or women,
is only a tool towards a bigger end." Yet Yana admits that, "some
people see it as a symbol of the dangers of AIDS, and I accept
that."

He did not further explain why a women would be a more potent
symbol of AIDS, considering the virus is carried by both men and
women.

Yet some of his works do carry a potent social commentary.
The sculpture Bananas depicts clenched fists at the end of every
protruding banana -- connotative of the hopeful perseverance of
local fruit farmers facing stiff competition from imported fruit
distributors. Another sculpture of a mirror framed with wire is
named Absolute Reality, and sends a message to the vain of the
world to accept their appearance, but also understands that
beneath the vanity lies suffering and constraints.

At first viewing, the colorful provocative works of Hafid
Alibasyah also sparks curiosity of deeper meaning. Yet Hafid
insists that his masked female nudes, often situated in cluttered
rooms, proposes no particular philosophy and are merely the
fruits of his imagination.

"I always paint preliminary sketches wherever I am. But when I
develop these sketches further, they often become lost in my
fantasy and becomes removed from the original reality," said
Hafid.

Hafid's ultimate aim is to communicate his metaphysical
relationship with his art to others.

"My works only have meaning if a person studying my painting
can feel the sensations that I've experienced while painting,
such as waves washing ashore," said Hafid.

The joint exhibition will continue at Koi Gallery & Restaurant
until July 30.

-- Dini S. Djalal