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