Renowned Indonesian poet, essayist, playwright and editor Goenawan Mohamad presents a collection of printmaking works in his first print exhibition, Kitab Hewan: Book of Beasts, open 3 February – 5 March 2023 at Sika Gallery, Ubud, Bali. The works are the outcome of an artist in residency program at the DEVFTO Printmaking Institute.
“Previous to the pandemic, I knew nothing about printmaking, even though I greatly appreciated the genre. Then, while attending an exhibition in Ubud in April 2021, I met Devy Ferdianto, Indonesia’s master printmaker and I wanted to learn from him,” Mohamad told the Jakarta Post.
“Since I was a child, I have drawn. It is an intimate experience that I enjoy. The creative flow between my writing and drawing is smooth. I can draw spontaneously and quickly yet cannot write poetry quickly. The emotion and feeling are, however, consistent,” said the founder and editor of Tempo Magazine, well known for his support of the visual arts as the founder of Salihara Arts Center in Jakarta. “Five years ago, I exhibited sketches in Yogyakarta. Since then, I have been encouraged to participate in more exhibitions, and I began to relearn my oil painting skills.”
Goenawan Mohamad with master Indonesian printmaker Devy Ferdianto. Image courtesy of DEVFTO
In October 2021, Mohamad began an artist-in-residency program at DEVFTO Printmaking Institute at Sika Gallery, Ubud, learning intaglio, lithography and aquatint etching techniques under the supervision of Devy. Born in West Java in 1968, he is a graduate of the Institute of Technology in Bandung (ITB) and has studied in institutions in Germany and Canada. Devy has lectured and freelanced his skills and knowledge to academics and organizations throughout Indonesia.
With over 30 years of experience, Devy established DEVFTO in 2020. The Institute distinguishes itself from other printmaking venues in Indonesia by researching the many technical aspects of the genre. The knowledge of the techniques and materials in printmaking is highly specific and varied. Mohamad returned to Ubud to continue his residency between March and April 2022 and December.
‘Melihat Bayangan’ 2022 Goenawan Mohamad Aquatint Etching. Image courtesy of DEVFTO
Book of Beasts showcases over forty lithography and intaglio compositions printed on paper in small and medium sizes. Animals, angels and various archetypical creatures that blur the line between human and beast come to life through monochrome images. The artist sets out with no preconceived ideas yet follows his intuition. The outcome reveals spontaneous, often mysterious pictures derived from the depths of Mohamad’s psyche, whereby his subconscious “speaks” through the creative process.
The visual qualities within the works range from the white of the paper to shades of grey into black. Black, however, is not static and has the power to recede and advance towards the eye giving the works a fascinating visual tension. The interaction between dark and light is not only dualistic in tonality yet also within metaphorical content. The dynamic between abstract imagery and recognizable forms makes Mohamad’s compositions rich with suggestive power that ignites the imagination.
‘Para Katak’ 2022 Goenawan Mohamad. Image courtesy of DEVFTO
Para Katak’ is an enigmatic and intriguing image depicting frogs. The top third features a powerful black negative space which draws the eye into the picture. This void contrasts with the remaining components in which non-descript imagery produces a delicate sense of movement. ‘Melihat Bayang’ (seeing shadows) depicts a figure in contemplation gazing over their shoulder at shadows cast by a small figure dancing and a raised hand with splayed fingers. Perhaps Mohamad has unwittingly created a self-portrait of himself pondering his shadow self. In contrast, ‘Ular Ular’ is a balanced and lively image, simplistic in its description of three snakes which may be dinosaurs, and appear to play with balls. This light hearted aspect is in conflict with the snake’s often frightening manner.
“It’s been ideal here in Ubud, away from Jakarta, exploring this new creative avenue. The printing processes are a lot of fun. I discovered new experiences, watching and learning from the DEVFTO team. Devy is an excellent teacher, very skilled, knowledgeable, passionate and humble,” said the outspoken critic of the Indonesian government who was born in Jakarta in 1941.
Goenawan Mohamad with copper plate etchings at DEVFTO Printmaking Institute, Sika Gallery, Ubud. Image courtesy of DEVFTO
“Artists should learn this ancient skill which can help complement their other practices. You must have patience and also trust Devy and his team. I urge people to visit DEVFTO, observe and learn,” Mohamad said. “The facility has generated great interest from people in Jakarta. The fact that there are few venues to learn printmaking, however, is a puzzle. Devy’s initiative to create a printmaking centre in Indonesia is a wonderful idea.”
“There is chemistry involved in working in the print medium. The monochromatic range within the intaglio, lithography and aquatint techniques suit me well with my tendency towards monochromes and variations of light and darkness,” Mohamad said. “Learning the process of scribing a metal plate with a knife to make the foundation of printed images, however, is challenging. The control over the knife is never consistent, it may slip, and the unexpected results make the process thrilling. You must be prepared for surprises – I like surprises.”
‘Ular Ular’ 2022 – Goenawan Mohamad. Aquatint etching on cotton paper. Image courtesy of DEVFTO
The unknown creative element in printmaking is exciting. We have no control – that is what I call beauty. The most beautiful part of the technique is its unpredictability. The surprises are aesthetically captivating and absorb the imagination. The joy of the unexpected keeps you endlessly fascinated.”
Indonesian contemporary printmaking embarked upon an exciting new era in Ubud in 2020, with Devy as the catalyst and master printmaker first at BHG. He then moved on in 2021 to establish DEVFTO. With more and more art world visitors and leading galleries from Java sending their artists to participate in artist-in-residency programs at DEVFTO, this fascinating genre allows artists to learn and experiment with new skills while offering new expansive opportunities for the Indonesian art market via affordable art prints.
Kitab Hewan: Book of Beasts
An exhibition of printmaking works by
Goenawan Mohamad
3 February – 5 March 2023
Sika Gallery, Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali
Words: Richard Horstman
Images courtesy of DEVFTO Printmaking Institute
Follow Richard in Instagram: @ lifeasartasia
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