ISA Art Gallery presents A Cross-Generational Exhibition of Bandung Artists

Highlighting three diverse generations of Bandung artists, ISA Art Gallery opened the ‘Mother Tongue – Are You There?' exhibition on 16 September 2023 in Jakarta. The show Bandung artists with diverse backgrounds and media. This exhibition highlights how Bandung artists blend their mother tongue with contemporary influences to create innovative and hybrid artworks that merge tradition and modernity. 

Bandung has a rich history of artistic creativity, dating back to the Dutch East Indies era, when European tourists and colonists brought their skills and artistic passions to the city. The Bandung School of Art emerged in the mid-20th century, fostering a community of artists who exchanged ideas and developed the city's fine arts scene. Language barriers between Indonesians and European expats led to exchanging words and art, inspiring artists to create hybrid expressions. The exhibition features a diverse lineup of artists with unique styles and approaches. Agus Zimo's surrealist landscapes offer allegorical depictions of Indonesian daily life, reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosch's fantastical worlds. Andiga Purwanto's ink illustrations showcase intricate, detailed scenes that invite viewers to explore every centimeter of his work.

Tina Nur Azizah's porcelain doll-like faces in military attire provoke thought about the struggles of modern life in Indonesia's metropolitan areas. Zahwa Gunawan empowers women through batik art inspired by Greek mythological figures, depicting solid and confident female characters.

Meanwhile, Arin Dwihartanto, like early Dada artists, employed the use of chance. By allowing the liquid resin and colours to freely flow, it creates a work ultimately born of uncertainty and volatility. Arin's distinctive signature is his use of pigmented resin as a medium, influenced by his impatience with oil paint drying times. The Bandung School's influence is evident in the works of A.D. Pirous, Srihadi, Gregorius Sidharta, and Sunaryo, who draw from Western art movements. Their art reflects traditional Indonesian elements and landmarks, demonstrating the fusion of global and local influences.

Sjuaibun Iljas and Deden Hendan utilize photography as an art medium, capturing daily life while infusing their imagination into their work. Trio Muharam and Wildan Sugara create art that invites viewer participation, blurring the lines between the audience and the artwork itself. For Galih Adika, Ega Jaya, and Erwin Pranata appear to explore themes of colours and strokes. The utilization of different thicknesses of strokes and colours may indicate the urge to create abstraction. Through the manipulation of these aspects of their art, these artists are able to pour out their emotions and expressions.

Erna Garnasih, Syagini Wulan, and Nandang Gawe use colours and strokes to explore nature and express their thoughts. Dzikra Afifah's sculptures capture intimate moments of human interaction, while Bandu Darmawan embraces technology as a medium for creating art. Zikry Rediyansyah's vibrant landscapes offer a nostalgic escape from technology-dominated life, while Yosefa Aulia addresses urban housing issues through her thought-provoking paintings.

Bandung's history of artistic fusion continues to inspire younger generations, creating a vibrant and diverse art scene that bridges cultures and traditions. 'Mother Tongue – Are You There?' celebrates this rich artistic heritage, showcasing the evolving language of Bandung's artists.

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