“My works are like a mirror reflecting myself,” Roby Dwi Antono says, “Usually, they’re additionally an area for self-criticism, as I try and restore my previous or give hope for the long run. I at all times really feel the urge to collect all of the scattered fragments of my recollections and remodel them into work.”
With this in thoughts, NANZUKA is happy to current a solo exhibition of recent works by Yogyakarta-based Indonesian artist Roby Dwi Antono at NANZUKA UNDERGROUND. This marks the artist’s second solo presentation with the gallery.
Roby’s distinctive visible language attracts inspiration from science fiction and pure historical past, facilitating connections between futurism, fantasy, and surrealism. His work, through which people, imaginary creatures, and numerous popular culture symbols coalesce may certainly be considered a up to date rendition of surrealism and are conceived by way of a mixture of his personal recollections, experiences, and creativeness. For this exhibition, Roby has returned to working with oil paint, making a determined shift from the oil chalk and oil pastel canvas works he exhibited three years in the past, to provide a collection of profound and mystical work depicted with painstaking consideration to element. Roby mentions the theme of this collection as being a “life cycle.” Having grow to be a father this 12 months with the beginning of his first baby, Roby displays on his previous to make sure that his actions will convey a few constructive cycle for his baby sooner or later.
As implied by title of the exhibition “LUNAR RITUALS,” the moon seems as an emblem in all the works offered. Roby sees the moon as an emblem of thriller. The moon itself is darkish and is unable to generate its personal mild. Nevertheless, For Roby, the way in which the moon shines at night time, reflecting the sunshine of the solar, turned an emblem of religious goodness, intelligence, and introspection. This perception that the moon represents rebirth is in step with the wealthy symbolism of Javanese tradition in Indonesia, the place the moon holds each religious and cultural significance. The Javanese lunisolar calendar, for instance, relies on the phases of the moon and governs many facets of life, from non secular rituals to agriculture. Its cyclical nature displays the cycle of life, dying and rebirth, and is believed to be carefully tied to concepts of reincarnation and cosmic stability. In Javanese tradition, the moon can be an emblem of reflection and meditation, and bears a powerful connection to female energy. It’s related to fertility, nurturing, and the cycle of creation and rebirth, and is linked to the goddess Dewi Ratih, who symbolizes magnificence, love, and devotion. This female vitality displays the nurturing position of girls in Javanese society, whereas the moon represents safety, compassion, and the inventive forces of nature. Roby makes an attempt to convey the significance of a mom’s affect on her baby’s improvement by using the moon as a symbolic metaphor.
The motif of water, which seems along with the moon, can be vital to Roby. Roby had issue acquiring ingesting water throughout his childhood, recalling recollections of the time he spent along with his household making an attempt to acquire it. The method of excavation, drainage, filtration, and sedimentation required to create a belik – supply of unpolluted water had thus taken on a deeper that means for Roby. He himself mentions that it’s a fragment of a childhood reminiscence that has left a long-lasting mark on him, and is one that’s profoundly sentimental. It displays the pure beliefs that underlie the artist’s want to deeply inside himself, to shed is dangerous habits and detrimental traits, and to grow to be a extra favorable individual.