'High' and 'low' arts find a place together

'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