Yogyakarta, Indonesia

melbourneconnectionasia 2003
Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Artists
Muhamed Marzuki
Samual Indratma
Bunga Jeruk
Augustinus Kus Windananto (Jompet)
Eko Nugroho

Images above
Tiger Change Direction, Eko Nugroho, Mixed media on paper, 38 x 28cm, 2001
Still Working in Java, Samual Indratma, China ink, cardboard, acrylic on paper, 2002
Photograph by Rangga Purbaya
Dolphin Kiss, Bunga Jeruk, Fiberglass, 160 x 110 x 40cm, 2001-2002

Young artists from Yogyakarta, Indonesia question the function of art in the society and give an important role to the public/audience in order to open up a dialogue and discussion. Because of their awareness and aim for communication they look for ways to connect with the social and local circumstances. Many projects like murals throughout the city, performances in public places and community activities are developed.

There has been a transition in ‘translating ideas’ though. In the post ‘New Order’ years, just after Suharto resigned it became a ‘trend’ to comment on the social and political situation. Now five years after, artists not only provoke and comment but with the recent terrorist threats and lack of funding for education and development, artists see the urgency of showing alternatives in comparison to the common rules and morality given through education, religion, government, and traditional manners. Artists are not only artists, but also activists, designers, educators, researchers, art managers, etc. They are an integral part of the community and by visualizing/translating ideas contribute to a creative diversity.

Mella Jaarsma
2003

Mella Jaarsma, (1960) artist and co-director of Cemeti Art House, promoting Indonesian emerging artists in exhibitions and projects. She is also involved in the Cemeti Art Foundation as a member of the board, concerned with art documentation, education, research and (international) art projects. She grew up in the Netherlands, but lives and works since 1984 in Indonesia.

Cemeti Art House was established by Dutch artist Mella Jaarsma and Indonesian artist Ninditityo Adipumomo and has been exhibiting the work of Indonesian and International artists since 1988, through exhibitions, performances, site specific and happening art, discussions, presentations and artist talks. The Cemeti Art House building was designed in 1999 by architect Eko Agus Prawoto. The architectural space reflects the paradoxes inherent in Cemeti's focus on interaction between disciplines: local-global, traditional-modern, art-non art, craft-industry, conventional-innovative.

Image right
Ultraoutput Project, Augustinus Kus Windananto (Jompet), Auditorium Lip, Aug 10, 2002

The artists from Indonesia
were selected by Mella Jaasma
and co-coordinated with Riris Dyah Nugrahini.

cemetihouse.com
Image above
100 Volts. I'm Sorry, I'm So Fucking Sorry, Muhamed Marzuki, Performance - Fucktory, 2000