AWDB speaks with Mulyana, an Indonesian artist who uses crochet across installation, costume, and sculpture to create fantastical marine worlds. Together with his alter ego MOGUS, his unique exploration of sea-life serves as a foundation for delving into broader artistic concepts.
MOGUS is central to his practice, serving as both a creative muse and a vehicle for themes of identity, transformation, and resilience. Through this moniker, Mulyana brings to life a fantastical yet personal narrative, exploring both environmental issues and the human experience. His enchanting characters and bold colours are lifted straight from childhood television shows, imbuing his work with storytelling whilst maintaining artistic purpose.
Exhibiting alongside other well-known Indonesian artists such as Entang Wiharso and Agus Suwage, Mulyana is presenting his work ‘Seanergy’ (2024) in collaboration with fellow artist Arkiv Vilmansa at ArtSubs, an annual exhibition focusing on contemporary art in Indonesia. For 2024, its inaugural year, over 150 artists are on show responding to the theme ‘Ways of Dreaming’.
Please share with us the work that you will be showing at Art Subs.
I am excited to be presenting a series of modular installations that embody the essence of adaptability and interaction. The pieces draw inspiration from the forms of marine life and are constructed using my signature crochet technique. Each piece is designed to evoke the fluidity and movement of the sea while inviting the audience to explore and interpret the shapes as part of an immersive experience.
I have also collaborated with Arkiv Vilmansa, known for his unique, playful approach to art. This partnership blends my detailed, textural modular designs with Arkiv’s bold and whimsical visual language. The result is a fusion of styles that creates a vibrant, interactive experience. This collaboration has been a creative journey, pushing the boundaries of our respective practices and bringing new dimensions to the art on display.
Could you tell us how/why you chose the moniker ‘MOGUS’, your octopian alter ego that features prominently in your work?
The moniker MOGUS originated from my fascination with octopuses, creatures that embody adaptability and intelligence. As an alter ego, MOGUS represents my artistic exploration of identity and transformation. The octopus, with its ability to change form and colour, perfectly symbolises the flexibility and modularity that are central to my work.
In what ways has your alter ego allowed you to explore themes or subjects you might not address otherwise?
MOGUS allows me to delve into deeper themes such as vulnerability, resilience, and the hidden aspects of identity. It acts as a bridge to explore environmental issues and human emotions through a lens that blends fantasy and reality. By using MOGUS, I can create a narrative that is both personal and universal, addressing topics that might be difficult to approach directly.
What keeps you returning to the world of sea life?
The sea, with its mystery and vastness, has always fascinated me. It is an ecosystem full of wonder and unknowns, which parallels the complexity of human emotions and experiences. Returning to the world of sea life allows me to continuously draw inspiration from its diversity and resilience, and to express the interconnectedness of all living things. The sea is a metaphor for both beauty and fragility, themes I often explore in my work.
Knit and crochet are becoming ever more popular on social media platforms. Whilst there seem to be endless options for these mediums, how do you ensure your art stays creative and original?
I stay true to my vision by integrating traditional techniques with contemporary themes. The modular system I use allows my art to be dynamic and changeable, setting it apart from standard crochet works. Additionally, I focus on storytelling and creating pieces that evoke thought and interaction. This approach ensures that my work not only showcases the craft itself but also engages viewers on a deeper level.
You have been working in Yogyakarta for 10 years now, one of the Indonesian centres known for its vibrant art scene. How has it informed your art and benefited you?
Yogyakarta’s art scene is rich in diversity and collaboration, and it has greatly influenced my practice. The city’s strong sense of community and its deep-rooted traditions in art and culture have inspired me to incorporate participatory elements into my work. The constant exchange of ideas with other artists has pushed me to experiment and grow, making Yogyakarta an invaluable part of my artistic journey.
ArtSubs is currently taking place at Pos Bloc Surabaya, Indonesia and is on until 24 November 2024. For more information, please click here.
INTERVIEW COURTESY OF ART WORLD DATABASE AND MULYANA, NOVEMBER 2024.
