AWDB speaks with Indonesian artist J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra about his upcoming exhibition ‘Women in The Modern World’, which will be presented by Nadi Gallery, Srisasanti Initiative, and Kohesi Initiative at ArtSG 2024. Exploring themes of identity, Pramuhendra raises questions about his own beliefs and core values, having grown up as Catholic in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world. With his primary medium of charcoal on canvas, Pramuhendra’s self-portraits contain various symbols and objects that bring viewers to question their own beliefs and critically challenge their identities.
AWDB speaks with Pramuhendra about his thought processes behind his artworks, and why he portrays women as his main subjects for ‘Women in The Modern World’.
How do you feel about closely intertwining your personal beliefs into your artistic practice, and having countless viewers, who are mostly strangers, contemplate your art?
I’m happy to have the opportunity to share my personal stories through my art. I love that the works deeply connected to my own experiences can resonate with a diverse audience.
It’s interesting when they see my work and interpret these pieces and see them through their own unique experiences. I don’t want to force my meaning on them; I prefer leaving the meaning open-ended; I like that it can mean different things to different people.
Do you find your beliefs and values have changed over time, and does it reflect in your practice?
My beliefs and values remain the same, but how I interpret and express them might change. The journey of exploring and translating these beliefs may influence my creative approach and make it a dynamic reflection of my personal growth.
In the past, your artworks involved topics of self-discovery through self-portraits. How does this exhibition differ (or is similar to) the topic of identity as it centers on female bodies?
I still use Catholic symbols consistently in my exhibits. While I used to tell more personal stories through self-portraits, this exhibition broadens the subject matter beyond personal narratives. The shift towards portraying women allows for a more expansive exploration of identity on a societal scale.
As this exhibition brings a huge emphasis on female empowerment and is heavily inspired by your own mother and mothers of the world, do you think it also brings empowerment to other women in society? For instance: women without children, women of varying ages, beliefs, sexual identities, etc.
I think the potential for empowerment lies in the interpretation of the viewers. Originating from the challenges and sacrifices of my own mother, the series aims to resonate with the diverse struggles faced by women today. I hope it can connect and have an impact on various individuals, regardless of age, beliefs, or identities.
Do you think the themes relating to ‘Women in The Modern World’ raise a larger topic about women in society, or even in the art community?
Absolutely. The themes in this exhibit go beyond individual stories and show the varied roles and strengths of women in modern’s world, both in society and the art community. In modern’s world women have broader roles in contemporary society.
What message do you hope your viewers will receive from this exhibition, and how do you think it will differ from your past exhibitions?
In this series, I want to present a broader and less personal context compared to my previous works. I hope it gives viewers a new perspective, sparks their interest, and triggers them to engage with the artworks on a deeper level.
‘Women in The Modern World’, presented by Nadi Gallery, Srisasanti Initiative, and Kohesi Initiative at ArtSG 2024 will take place from the 19th to 21st of January 2024.
INTERVIEW COURTESY OF J. ARIADHITYA AND ART WORLD DATABASE, JANUARY 2024.
