THE ARMORY SHOW

Murni, as she is affectionately known, has been celebrated for her daring and unapologetic depictions of the female body, sexuality, and the complex layers of her subconscious. Her work, which boldly defied the conventions and taboos of a male-dominated Indonesian art scene, is now gaining international recognition. In 2023, Murni’s paintings were acquired by Tate and featured in prestigious exhibitions such as the 58th Carnegie International, the 3rd Taipei Biennial, and the 24th Sydney Biennale. Esteemed publications like The New York Times and Artsy have lauded her contributions, emphasising the necessity of her perspective in a global context.

For The Armory Show, Gajah Gallery will present a selection of Murni’s most compelling works that challenge Western representations of women’s bodies, sensuality, and desire. Rendered in a style that both embraces and transcends traditional Balinese painting, Murni’s paintings depict surreal and provocative imagery: an enlarged vulva becomes an eye, a dragon tenderly kisses a woman’s breasts. With a blend of humour and eroticism, Murni reimagines self-pleasure as a site of subversion, boldly disrupting the pervasive male gaze and the endless portrayals of women—particularly Asian women—as passive objects. These powerful depictions of a body reclaiming its agency affirm Murni’s status as a revolutionary artist not only in Indonesia but also on the global stage.

This solo exhibition offers a rare and vital opportunity for American audiences to engage with Murni’s groundbreaking work, which continues to resonate with contemporary themes of gender, identity, and the reclamation of power. Gajah Gallery is honoured to bring Murni’s voice to The Armory Show 2024, furthering the conversation around Southeast Asian art and its relevance in the international art scene.