Eko Nugroho at NGV

Eko Nugroho is a contemporary Indonesian artist from Yogyakarta. He recently became one of three people to paint a mural on the NGV water wall. The mural is painted in black against the rippling and constantly changing backdrop of the water wall. There is a cartoon or comic (book) like quality to the image that is almost childlike, but there is a deeper sense of despair or angst portrayed in the imagery of the eyes.

There is a sense of traditional Indonesian shadow puppets in the style of the painting, which indicates a story of some kind. I personally see in this mural a sense of change, in the robot like figure, and also a sense of war or violence, in the ripped flag, sword and other potentially weapon like objects floating around. There is also a sense of hiding or anticipation as the face like images all appear masked or covered.

Eko Nugroho NGV Water wall mural (2012)

I get the sense that Nugroho, is possibly making a statement about social change, that is not easy nor accepted by all, and he is considering the effect it is having on different people.

Eko Nugroho NGV Water wall mural (2012) (detail)

 

Eko Nugroho NGV Water wall mural (2012) (detail)