Minangkabau artists showcased in 'Tradition Considered'

Margaret Agusta, Contributor, Jakarta

A massive exhibition gathering the works of 111 artists of ethnic Minangkabau origin will be on display at the National Gallery at Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14 in Gambir, Central Jakarta, from June 4 through June 12.

Organized under the auspices of the Jakarta-based Gebu Minang, Sarasah Gallery in Padang, Sakato in Yogyakarta and the National Gallery in Jakarta, the gathering reflects the West Sumatran traditions of exploration and solidarity by bringing together artists of Minang descent living and working in the far-flung reaches of the archipelago in an exhibition of modern art that spans not only distance, but time.

The works of historically important Minangkabau artists, such as Wakidi (1890-1979), Oesman Effendi (1919-1985), Zaini (1926- 1977) and Nashar (1928-1994), will be displayed along with the works of artists who first emerged in exhibitions in the 1960s and 1970s, such as Risman Marah, Kasman KS, Syaiful Adnan and Yetmon Amir.

Also on display will be works by artists of the Jendela group, most of whom were born in the 1970s, such as Rudi Mantofani, Yunizar, Alfi, Yusra Martunus, Handi Wirman and Irfan, and the still younger artists of the Genta group, such as Ardison, Saptari, Febri Antoni, Zulfa Hendra and Yon Indra, in addition to emerging artists from the Semut and other groups.

The works to be displayed in this exhibition, with the overall theme of Tradition Considered, were selected on the basis of not only artistic skill and technique, but also on how well they reflected the pivotal elements of the tendencies and exploration of artists originating from West Sumatra within the context of contemporary Indonesian art.

Arranged within the framework of four subthemes, the artworks on display speak of the "Tradition of Nature in Minangkabau Society", the "Tradition of Religion and Spirituality", the "Tradition of Change" and the "Emerging Traditions Within the Contemporary World".

Taken together under the umbrella of considering art in the light of ethnic traditions, the works in this exhibition promise to provide a solid look at the realities of the development of modern and contemporary art within the context of ancient Minangkabau culture.

According to the curators of the exhibition, Mamannoor and Adi Rosa, the philosophy of nature inherent in the Minangkabau saying "nature has grown to become our teacher" provides a basis for the growth and development of a strong intellectual tradition in which the reality of being is intertwined with becoming and of that which is to be.

In this sense, tradition and change have both always been essential elements of the pattern of life of the Minangkabau people, in which the young are encouraged to go out in search of knowledge and adventure and then to share that which has been gained with those who remain in the homeland.

Although Minangkabau society is steeped in tradition, it is highly dynamic in that it has consistently and eagerly embraced new experience and learning.

It is within this tradition of seeking out knowledge and experience and being adaptive to change that the artists of Minangkabau descent explore the potential of contemporary trends and tendencies within the international and local art communities. They do this without losing the spiritual and cultural compass essential to their unique perspective on the world, with its strong roots in the natural environment and the spirituality of Islam.

It is in this context that this exhibition of paintings, drawings, calligraphic works and three-dimensional pieces is of major import.

According to Minangkabau poet and cultural figure, Leon Agusta, "A long, critical look inward is required so that we do not delude ourselves about who we are and about our own cultural identity. Real cultural life must be expressed and described as it is."

He also noted that, "We must remember that such activities require intensity and continuity in order to initiate a cultural process that consistently takes tradition into consideration within contemporary existence. For that reason, it is heartening that Gebu Minang is exhibiting such a will toward becoming involved in art activities that are based in the considerations of cultural tradition."

In terms of contemporary art in Indonesia, tradition, from whichever ethnic base it may originate, has the potential to serve as a source of inspiration for commenting on and seeking a resolution to the dilemmas of contemporary existence.

In this context, the current exhibition promises to not only remind us all of the importance of taking our own individual cultural roots into consideration as we struggle to stay afloat in the midst of the tremendous change and conflict of our times, but also to provide a look at a rich and dynamic tradition that has embraced and utilized the winds of change over the ages.