ENTANG WIHARSO

Renowned Indonesian artist Entang Wiharso creates provocative works that speak volumes about the human condition. From universal issues of power, loss, dreams and love to broader categories of ideology, philosophy and identity, Entang delivers personal reflections and social critique by integrating Javanese narrative tools of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) with contemporary materials. Although Entang is known for his performance art and larger-than-life aluminium sculptures, reliefs and installations; ventures in the two-dimensional forms of painting, drawing and print have remained an abiding practice of his.

Never Say No presents the sheer diversity and scale of Entang’s latest project at STPI, where alternative methods and materials like balloons, yarn, wires and nails were used in the print and papermaking process. His experimentation with the multifaceted medium resulted in raw and compelling representations of the world, told through an instantly recognisable visual vocabulary of contorted, mutant bodies – with slogans and icons of tropical plants, weapons and fences added to the mix. Yet his encounter with new materials at STPI has led the artist to develop fresh forms never before seen in his artistic oeuvre.