'High' and 'low' arts find a place together
Boudewijn Brands, Contributor, Yogyakarta, boudewijnb@yahoo.com
South of Yogyakarta lies the village of Parangtritis on the Indian Ocean. It is visited by about 2 million people per year, most of whom head for the beach and some for the splendid view in the cool, windy hills.
On the way there via Jl. Parangtritis, one passes signs indicating the location of Rumah Budaya Tembi (Culture House Tembi), about 500 meters down a street to the left.
A local, P. Swantoro, who became successful in Jakarta but who has not forgotten his roots, set it up himself. It is meant for the study and perpetuation of classical Javanese culture.
On the street side the first building is a pendopo (Javanese- style house), where gamelan concerts can be held as well as theater and dance performances. There are public facilities, classrooms, a museum and offices.
The total land area is 3,000 square meters. However, there is also a beautiful west wing measuring 33 meters by 4 meters, which is very well-suited for exhibitions. Since the center became operational this year, four art exhibitions have already been held.
The first, a solo exhibition by Pandu Pribadi, was opened on May 31, 2002, followed by a solo exhibition by Ledek Sukadi and an exhibition by husband and wife Nurkholis and Heti Nurani. A fourth exhibition finished last week, in which 27 artists participated.
The fifth exhibition is still continuing. It is an exhibition by three artists: Daniel Adenis (born in Dec. 1969), with his younger friends, Kasih Hartono (May 1970) and Mali Effendi (October 1975).
The theme of the exhibition is "Kadali", a word composed from letters in the names of the participating artists but in Javanese also meaning someone who is lying.
Kasih Hartono and Mali Effendi are, in a way, newcomers as artists. They have just chosen to become full-time painters and may not yet be aware of the ins and outs of the art market.
Daniel studied painting at the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) in Yogyakarta and has twice been selected in the Philip Morris Art Competition. He has participated in group exhibitions in Singapore (Soobin Art Gallery), Bali and with the now defunct Embun Gallery in Yogyakarta and Jakarta.
His skill is great but the paintings he produces may not be to the liking of collectors looking for something above the sofa. In his works he criticizes situations that are commonplace in society, such as women making themselves look beautiful.
He often criticizes his wife in his works. They have a baby of seven months and this also shows in most of the five works in a cynical way as in Bedroom and Build my Baby's Brain. In this work he seems to be cynical about the theory that (classical) music helps develop a baby's brain, so he puts the baby in a business suit.
Is such development the ultimate aim and dream of the parents? Kasih Hartono graduated from ISI in 1996 and has worked as a graphic designer. He signs responsible for the well-designed catalog. He has now chosen the life of an artist. His works may be more in line with the philosophy of the Tembi center as he depicts local culture in his seven paintings and three sketches. Barongan Kebo is the most impressionistic work, showing the strength and swirling movement of a kerbau barong around a strong imaginary horse rider.
Other paintings are classics, such as Reuni Rindu and the dancers.
Mali Efendi has four paintings and an installation. His works seem sweet at first sight. From a distance, beautiful soft pinks and yellows prepare for an enjoyable experience. Sadness of the Fire Brigade expresses the constant confrontation of firefighters with victims.
Dewi Bercinta actually addresses a deviation in sexual behavior. What you see is a woman and a beautiful bird. It is reminiscent of Leda and the Swan. The painting can be seen upside down as well.
When asked, Mali explains that he perceives these times as being such that free sex is the order of the day, including sex with animals! This does change your perception of the painting, which could equally as well be perceived as being very decorative. His installation is not at all pretentious, as most installations seem to be.
Mimi Cinta Lingkunan (Mother loves the Environment) consists of three stands on top of which are metal containers 24 centimeters (cm) by 10 cm containing a rose, Mimi (as a doll) and a fish. It would not look out of place in a living room.
The exhibition contrasts "high" versus "low" (read decorative) art and allows for reflection on this discourse. Prices are from Rp 360,000 to Rp 6 million. At Rp 1 million, the installation is very reasonably priced. We look forward to more exhibitions here.
Kadali lasts until Nov. 3, 2002 at Tembi Gallery, Rumah Budaya Tembi, Jl. Parangtritis km. 8.4, Tembi, Timbulharjo, Sewon, Bantul, Yogyakarta, Tel. 0274 368000, fax 0274 368001. Website: www.tembi.org