Melihat Kritik Sosial Politik dalam Pameran Seni Rupa Karya Butet Kartaredjasa

Summary

The artist Butet reflects on their exhibition, which has evolved over the past few years. Initially focused on personal and spiritual themes, the work shifted to address Indonesia's socio-political climate. The exhibition, titled 'Milik Gendong Lali,' explores how wealth and power can cause people to forget their responsibilities. Butet discusses how their creative process, inspired by daily prayers and personal reflections, translates into art that comments on societal issues, such as weak law enforcement and political struggles. The exhibition intertwines art with lessons on politics, law, and leadership, offering a powerful reflection on Indonesia's current state.

Takeaways

• 😀 The exhibition was prepared by the artist two years ago and approved through a curation process by national gallery curators.
• 😀 The exhibition’s concept, based on 'visual prayer' (wirid), has evolved over time, influenced by personal, spiritual, and social changes.
• 😀 The exhibition title, 'Milik Gendong Lali,' refers to the idea that wealth and power can make people forget their responsibilities.
• 😀 The artist’s works respond to social and political situations in Indonesia, reflecting on the absurdities in society.
• 😀 'Wirid' is a personal spiritual practice for the artist, where writing their full name or the word 'Nusantara' becomes a form of daily prayer.
• 😀 The artist emphasizes that their work is not meant to dictate interpretation; cultural products are open to multiple interpretations.
• 😀 The exhibition’s artworks, created since 2002, are in tune with current social issues, and the artist believes the ideas are guided by the universe.
• 😀 The artist emphasizes the importance of evolving creative ideas, stating that creativity must remain dynamic and alive, not stagnant.
• 😀 The artworks explore the different dimensions of human psychology, including political lessons from society's structure and leadership.
• 😀 The paintings convey anger over weak law enforcement and weak governance, addressing the deficiencies in the nation’s justice system.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the exhibition discussed in the script?

The main theme of the exhibition revolves around the concept of 'wirid visual,' which is a very personal and spiritual process that the artist has been working on since March 2022. It later evolved due to social and political situations in Indonesia.

What is the meaning of 'Milik Gendong Lali' in the context of the exhibition?

'Milik Gendong Lali' translates to the idea that possession of wealth or power can make a person forget. This concept is reflected in the exhibition as it explores themes of personal loss, societal changes, and the impact of power dynamics.

How did the artist’s spiritual practices influence the works presented in the exhibition?

The artist's spiritual practices, particularly 'wirid' (a form of prayer or meditation), played a significant role in the creation of the artworks. These practices involve repetitive writing, such as writing the artist's full name or the word 'Nusantara' as a personal prayer for the nation.

What role did the curators play in the development of the exhibition?

The curators, including Mas Asmujo, were involved in the curation process, discussing and deciding on the final theme of the exhibition. They helped refine the exhibition’s concept and supported the artist in its execution.

How does the artist view the relationship between art and politics?

The artist believes that art can reflect various dimensions of human psychology, including political aspects. Through their work, they express political messages and the complexities of leadership, law, and societal struggles.

What does the artist mean by 'creative ideas should never be stagnant'?

The artist emphasizes that creative ideas must remain dynamic and evolve, adapting to changing circumstances. Creative ideas, like life itself, should grow and be responsive to the world around them.

How does the artist interpret the political and legal messages in the artworks?

The artist sees many messages in their artworks about the weakness of law enforcement and the challenges of upholding justice. These themes are explored through visual expressions in the paintings and sculptures, reflecting societal frustrations with political and legal systems.

What role does law play in the artist's works?

Law is portrayed in the artist’s works as a central theme, with critiques of its inefficacy and the moral struggles that exist within it. The artworks express a sense of anger about the weakness of legal institutions in the country.

Why does the artist say that their work can be interpreted in multiple ways?

The artist acknowledges that cultural products, including their artworks, are open to multiple interpretations. They intentionally leave room for diverse perspectives, encouraging viewers to engage with the pieces in their own personal and cultural contexts.

What is the significance of the title 'Milik Gendong Lali' in relation to the current social-political situation?

The title 'Milik Gendong Lali' resonates with the current social-political context in Indonesia, where issues of power and memory loss are central. It suggests that the abuse of power can lead to forgetfulness, and in the political context, it reflects how leaders may neglect their duties or the needs of the people.