Press Release

**Singapore, 20 August 2024—**Gajah Gallery is set to make its debut at Sydney Contemporary 2024, participating in the Galleries Sector of this fair. This marks a significant milestone for the Gallery as we bring an eclectic ensemble of eight contemporary artists from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore to the Australian art scene. The presentation will feature the works of I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, Jane Lee, Jason Lim, Jemana Murti, Kayleigh Goh, Suzann Victor, Uji ‘Hahan’ Handoko Eko Saputro, and Yunizar, each showcasing their artistic practices in novel and compelling ways. Our presentation includes a dynamic array of sculptures, paintings, and works that challenge the boundaries of conventional art forms. Each artist, with their unique approach, manipulates materials and processes to convey complex narratives and emotions, offering viewers a diverse and enriching experience. At the heart of this exhibition is the late I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, whose vivid paintings confront and subvert societal taboos surrounding female desire and trauma. Murniasih’s surreal, dreamlike compositions serve as a powerful medium for healing and self-expression, inviting audiences to engage with her deeply personal and universal themes.

Jemana Murti’s work blends traditional Balinese motifs with contemporary storytelling, exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage. Uji ‘Hahan’ Handoko Eko Saputro, known for his playful yet incisive critique of social and political issues, introduces a fresh perspective through his distinctive, cartoon-inspired creations. Yunizar’s raw and primal art captures the emotional intensity of vernacular language and imagery, drawing viewers into a world of mystery and estrangement. Jane Lee’s groundbreaking exploration of painting as a sculptural medium challenges the boundaries between two- and three-dimensional art, while Jason Lim’s thought-provoking ceramic pieces invite interaction, transcending mere aesthetics to become a dialogue with the viewer. The Gallery is also showcasing two female artists who have made Australia their home. Melbourne-based Kayleigh Goh presents reflective works that offer a metaphysical space for contemplation, while Sydney-based Suzann Victor’s ‘Lens Painting’ series reinterprets historical representations of Asian women, imbuing them with humanity and dignity.

This participation in Sydney Contemporary underscores Gajah Gallery’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Australia, following its involvement in the 24th Biennale of Sydney, where Murniasih’s works were prominently featured. Through this exhibition, the Gallery aims to foster cross-cultural dialogues and bring the dynamism of Southeast Asian contemporary art to a broader audience. Together, these artists present a compelling vision of Southeast Asian art, rich in cultural narratives and innovative expression.

Read More

Artists Exhibiting

Also Exhibiting at Gajah Gallery

The art world in focus