Arahmaiani Indonesian, b. 1961
Free Market , 2008
Acrylic on canvas
150 x 200 cm
'Free Market'' by Arahmaiani is a satirical and politically charged painting that critiques the dynamics of global capitalism. Utilizing a cartoonish style reminiscent of mid-20th-century animation, the artist conveys a...
"Free Market"" by Arahmaiani is a satirical and politically charged painting that critiques the dynamics of global capitalism. Utilizing a cartoonish style reminiscent of mid-20th-century animation, the artist conveys a message about Western-centric economic policies and their global implications.
In the painting, a militaristic duck, clad in an authoritarian uniform and carrying a flag, strides confidently towards a sign labeled ""Free Market."" This figure likely represents the aggressive promotion of free-market capitalism by Western powers. The missile overhead symbolizes the enforcement and threat often accompanying such policies.
To the right, a group of muscular, caricatured figures adorned with national symbols of prominent Western and allied countries (such as the USA, UK, Japan, and Canada) follows the duck. Their exaggerated, almost grotesque physiques hint at the overbearing and domineering nature of these nations in the global market landscape. Their blind, enthusiastic following signifies the complicity and sometimes coercive participation in the global economic system dictated by the free market ideology.
The use of cartoon characters serves to both simplify and exaggerate the elements of critique, making the complex issues of economic dominance and political coercion more accessible. Arahmaiani’s choice to portray serious political commentary through seemingly innocent and familiar cartoon imagery underscores the pervasive and sometimes insidious nature of these economic ideologies.
In the painting, a militaristic duck, clad in an authoritarian uniform and carrying a flag, strides confidently towards a sign labeled ""Free Market."" This figure likely represents the aggressive promotion of free-market capitalism by Western powers. The missile overhead symbolizes the enforcement and threat often accompanying such policies.
To the right, a group of muscular, caricatured figures adorned with national symbols of prominent Western and allied countries (such as the USA, UK, Japan, and Canada) follows the duck. Their exaggerated, almost grotesque physiques hint at the overbearing and domineering nature of these nations in the global market landscape. Their blind, enthusiastic following signifies the complicity and sometimes coercive participation in the global economic system dictated by the free market ideology.
The use of cartoon characters serves to both simplify and exaggerate the elements of critique, making the complex issues of economic dominance and political coercion more accessible. Arahmaiani’s choice to portray serious political commentary through seemingly innocent and familiar cartoon imagery underscores the pervasive and sometimes insidious nature of these economic ideologies.
