Arahmaiani Indonesian, b. 1961
Pelangi 3 (Diptych), 2019
Acrylic on Canvas
100 x 140 cm
One of Indonesia’s most seminal and respected contemporary artists, Arahmaiani has long been internationally recognized for her powerful and provocative commentaries on social, political, and cultural issues. Born in 1961 in Bandung, Indonesia, she established herself in the 1980s as a pioneer in the field of performance art in Southeast Asia, although her practice also incorporates a wide variety of media. Arahmaiani is fascinated by the buried past of her native Java, its rich Hindu-Buddhist heritage and assimilation with the Islamic culture; and it’s culture of tolerance and openness.—We are excited to present Arahmaiani’s Pelangi 3&4 as part of ISA Art & Design selection for Art Moments Jakarta 2020 —
The ‘Silent Rainbow I’ is part of her ongoing Jawi Series that she first explore in her seminal work ‘Lingga Yoni’(1994). Jawi or Pegon is an adapted arabic script that was used in Indonesia as part of cultural and religious assimilation. The unique way Arahmaiani stylise her Pegon typographies is meant to provide and return the image of Islam from violence and terror post-9/11 back into peace and kindness. The artist hopes to create more conversation and to disprove fears and claims attached to her identity and the majority religion of her nation Indonesia. Arahmaiani is one of Indonesia’s most seminal and respected contemporary artist. Known for her powerful and provocative commentaries on social, political and cultural issues, she has established herself as the pioneer of performance art in South East Asia since the 1980s. Her works reflect on her fascination of the buried past of her native Java, religion and her own spiritual journey as a woman and a Javanese Muslim.
