Gana Art Hannam, Suanjaya Kencut’s Solo Exhibition ‘BEYOND THE WALL’ Poster.
Gana Art Hannam presents the solo exhibition ‘BEYOND THE WALL’ by Indonesian MZ artist Suanjaya Kencut.
“Engaging in various creative activities such as painting and sculpture through the original plush doll character, from the 13th to the 28th of this month.”
Editor: Hwang Myung-yeol 2024.07.11 09:31
Suanjaya Kencut’s (b. 1994) solo exhibition ‘BEYOND THE WALL’ will be held from the 13th to the 28th of this month.
The artist, who spent his childhood in Bali, Indonesia, creates works using a variety of media, from painting to sculpture, based on historical, cultural, and religious resources experienced during his upbringing. The artist, who studied fine arts at the Yogyakarta School of Art, has recently held solo exhibitions at various galleries, including GR Gallery in New York, Lorin Gallery in Los Angeles, and Lucy Art Space in Jakarta.
▲ After Many Hour (Ready for Praying), 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 200×260cm / Photo: Courtesy of Gana Art
In this exhibition, the artist presents a series titled ‘Beyond the Wall,’ which serves as a sort of memoir capturing his personal memories and experiences related to the walls surrounding the traditional village of Natah in Bali, where he was born and raised, from his childhood to his youth.
The plush doll characters featured in his work are inspired by the large puppet masks of Barong, a traditional performance in Bali. Additionally, the vibrant and intense colors and patterns of the dolls are derived from the traditional motifs painted on the fabrics decorating the temples in his hometown of Bali.
▲ Expression #8, 2021, Pencil on paper, 29×42cm / Photo: Courtesy of Gana Art
The artist chose buttons as the material to express the eyes of the dolls, which he believes are the ‘window to the soul.’ This choice reflects his hope that the buttons, like how they connect different pieces of fabric, will serve as a medium connecting him with the viewers. Against a vibrant monochromatic background, the dolls with unreadable expressions each flaunt their individuality through different colors, patterns, and lengths For the artist, the pure memories of childhood become the main material for the work, conveying a hopeful message about a positive attitude towards life through the dolls.
▲ No more Space #2, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, Ø100cm / Photo: Courtesy of Gana Art
In this exhibition, the artist uses the walls of the village, which have always been present throughout his growth, as a motif to capture his experiences and memories on the canvas. As depicted in the works, the walls symbolize not just a physical boundary for the artist but also a symbol of strong bonds and a testament to personal history, where various emotions such as camaraderie, friendship, solitude, and love are intricately intertwined.
The organizers stated, ‘We hope this exhibition not only highlights the artist’s life journey but also emphasizes the importance of deep connections with humanity, the environment, and the community, and provides an opportunity for reflection on the true essence of life beyond the solid walls.’
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Editor: Hwang Myung-yeol
Original Source: Munwhamagazine