Mount Gede Pangrango Forest, 2025
Nek Wani Ojo Wedi-Wedi, Nek Wedi Ojo Wani-Wani (If You Dare, Don’t be Half-Hearted, if You are Afraid, Don’t Act as if You are Brave), 2021
Sapa Seneng Ngrusak Ketentremane Alam lan Liyan Bakal Dibendhu deneng Pangeran lan Dielehke dening Tumindhake Dhewe #1 (For Those who Disturb the Nature and Supernatural Beings will be Punished by God, and Get Karma for Their Own Actions #1), 2021
Siti Panguripan (Land of Life), 2021
Several trees rise majestically. They are some of the oldest trees from the Gede Pangrango National Park, established over a number of nature reserves defined in the Dutch colonial era. The creation of such nature reserves were a means to assert control and displace natives and traditional land rights.
For the Javanese, the natural elements are not only geological but also spiritual forces that define everyday Javanese life. The knowledge surrounding mountains, rivers and trees is passed through generations of storytelling.
The central installation of the tent is decorated with Javanese folklore. Spirit guardians like tigers and winged animals lead one to safety in Mount Merapi. In contrast, the two large landscapes that juxtapose the tent depict land being exploited or ravaged. In the face of ecological disaster brought about by capitalism and colonialism, Maryanto’s tent is a space of repose and dreaming, with the oldest trees as silent witnesses to history.
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Maryanto (b. 1977, Indonesia) creates monochromatic paintings and monumental installations that dissect socio-political structures through fable-like landscapes. His works highlight urgent concerns about environmental and cultural encroachment, reflecting harsh realities in his home country.
He graduated from the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam (2012), and the Indonesia Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta (2005).
Maryanto has participated in the 2nd Industrial Biennale (Croatia), Setouchi Triennale (Japan), and Jakarta and Jogja Biennales. His exhibitions include Tabula Rasa Gallery (London), MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum (Thailand), and Yeo Workshop (Singapore).
For the Javanese, the natural elements are not only geological but also spiritual forces that define everyday Javanese life. The knowledge surrounding mountains, rivers and trees is passed through generations of storytelling.
The central installation of the tent is decorated with Javanese folklore. Spirit guardians like tigers and winged animals lead one to safety in Mount Merapi. In contrast, the two large landscapes that juxtapose the tent depict land being exploited or ravaged. In the face of ecological disaster brought about by capitalism and colonialism, Maryanto’s tent is a space of repose and dreaming, with the oldest trees as silent witnesses to history.
***
Maryanto (b. 1977, Indonesia) creates monochromatic paintings and monumental installations that dissect socio-political structures through fable-like landscapes. His works highlight urgent concerns about environmental and cultural encroachment, reflecting harsh realities in his home country.
He graduated from the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam (2012), and the Indonesia Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta (2005).
Maryanto has participated in the 2nd Industrial Biennale (Croatia), Setouchi Triennale (Japan), and Jakarta and Jogja Biennales. His exhibitions include Tabula Rasa Gallery (London), MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum (Thailand), and Yeo Workshop (Singapore).
Artist:
Maryanto
Nek Wani Ojo Wedi-Wedi, Nek Wedi Ojo Wani-Wani (If You Dare, Don’t be Half-Hearted, if You are Afraid, Don’t Act as if You are Brave)
Tent Installation with Sound, Charcoal on Canvas
200 x 400 cm unfolded as a tent
200 x 150 cm
Siti Panguripan (Land of Life)
Charcoal on Canvas
200 x 150 cm
Sapa Seneng Ngrusak Ketentremane Alam lan Liyan Bakal Dibendhu deneng Pangeran lan Dielehke dening Tumindhake Dhewe #1 (For Those who Disturb the Nature and Supernatural Beings will be Punished by God, and Get Karma for Their Own Actions #1)
Charcoal on Canvas
200 x 150 cm
Mount Gede Pangrango Forest
Aquarelle Graphite on Paper
150 x 220cm
Maryanto
Nek Wani Ojo Wedi-Wedi, Nek Wedi Ojo Wani-Wani (If You Dare, Don’t be Half-Hearted, if You are Afraid, Don’t Act as if You are Brave)
Tent Installation with Sound, Charcoal on Canvas
200 x 400 cm unfolded as a tent
200 x 150 cm
Siti Panguripan (Land of Life)
Charcoal on Canvas
200 x 150 cm
Sapa Seneng Ngrusak Ketentremane Alam lan Liyan Bakal Dibendhu deneng Pangeran lan Dielehke dening Tumindhake Dhewe #1 (For Those who Disturb the Nature and Supernatural Beings will be Punished by God, and Get Karma for Their Own Actions #1)
Charcoal on Canvas
200 x 150 cm
Mount Gede Pangrango Forest
Aquarelle Graphite on Paper
150 x 220cm