Yogyakarta Adventure #2 - Exploring the Artistic Exhibition of Sonobudoyo Museum

Hey there, fellow travelers! Ready for another exciting chapter of my Yogyakarta adventure? Today, I'm thrilled to take you along on a journey through the captivating Sonobudoyo Museum. After immersing ourselves in the ancient wonders of Prambanan Temple in my last post, it's time to dive deeper into the artistic heart of Yogyakarta at this remarkable museum. Get ready to discover a world of vibrant paintings and timeless treasures as we explore every nook and cranny of this cultural gem. Admission is free, and there's a souvenir booth for postcards and clothes at the entrance.

Name of the existing exhibition	Souvenir corner	A statue of an artist

The exhibition showcased during my visit was "Lepas Kala," running from January 25th to 31st, 2024. As I entered, a preface penned by the exhibition's curator greeted me, offering insights into the artistic journey awaiting exploration.

Translation
The practice of art is a space of tension, mystery, and beauty at the same time; it is a way of making noise, voicing, defending, and releasing "something", such as beliefs, attitudes, snares, social matters, political views or choices, and so on. Of course, the artist simultaneously struggles to find the right form for the message of the piece. It is not easy, because there (in the work) are layers of problems that in the next phase will be seen by others. Don't forget, they have various references/preferences as capital for enjoying and producing art knowledge. Therefore, there is no absolute acceptance of a work, nor absolute rejection, nor absolute rejection. There is always a possibility for both.
Ida Bagus Putu Purwa's (I.1977) solo exhibition titled Lepas Kala is a concise trajectory of his creative process around when he was in a chaotic situation that was lived and explored: the body as a metagora, a writhing body, a stretching body, hands that reach or grab, a tense face, impulsive movements. About 20 paintings in this exhibition are intended to; first, understand how a painter explores his own problems until he finds the right form and expression, as well as a channel of release from the situation of disorder into order; gloom that is blown up into theatrical visuals; escape from the snare (rope and time). Secondly, seeing and understanding these works can be used as an entry point to understand and appreciate Ida Bagus Putu Purwa's subsequent works that are very different, more colorful and ornamental, with a broader message, which highlights traditional (Balinese) life and environmental crises, along with good hopes. An experience of the creative process that is important to share and revisit.

As soon as I stepped inside, I could feel the rich tapestry of tradition and heritage woven into the very walls of the museum. It's like stepping back in time, with echoes of the past reverberating through every corridor. The museum is a sprawling complex, comprising several buildings housing a diverse range of exhibitions. For today's adventure, we'll be focusing on the Contemporary Exhibition Building, where modern art takes center stage.

The moment I entered the first room, I was greeted by an intriguing sight. The space stretched out before me, its walls painted in shades of gray on the sides and a bold splash of red in the center. Hanging proudly on those walls were six captivating canvases, each one a masterpiece in its own right. Join me as we take a closer look at these extraordinary artworks.

Entering the following room, I noticed a continuation of the color scheme, albeit in a more compact space. As I ventured into the third room, I was greeted by walls adorned in soothing shades of blue. One particular artwork caught my eye, featuring a playful rendition of the beloved cartoon character Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants. Alongside it, a complex illustration depicted an array of elements, reminiscent of life beneath the sea, adding a touch of whimsy to the gallery's ambiance.

Moving on to the fourth room, I found myself surrounded by a serene palette of gray hues. Adorning each wall were expansive canvases showcasing a diverse array of images, each telling its own unique story. At the center of the room stood a long wooden chair, inviting visitors to pause and ponder the artistic wonders that surrounded them.

As I entered the final room, I was once again greeted by a soothing sea of blue hues. However, what set this room apart from the others was its distinct layout and arrangement of artworks. Unlike the previous rooms, where paintings adorned the walls with precision, here, the walls were adorned with a multitude of pictures, creating a captivating mosaic of artistic expression. It was a sight to behold, with images seamlessly blending together to form a mesmerizing tapestry of color and creativity. Amidst this visual symphony, a cozy sofa beckoned, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and depth of the artwork that adorned the walls.

While I may not consider myself an art connoisseur, I found myself utterly captivated by the masterpieces adorning the walls. The artists' ability to convey profound meaning through stunning visuals left me in awe. With each stroke of the brush, they breathed life into their creations, inviting viewers to ponder the deeper significance behind each image. As I gazed upon the artwork, I found myself drawn into a world of imagination and interpretation, where every stroke told a story waiting to be unraveled. Fortunately, accompanying each painting was a small plaque bearing the artist's name and the title of the piece, offering valuable insights into the creative process.

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Should you wish to delve deeper into the intricacies of each painting showcased, along with their respective explanations, you can easily access the "Lepas Kala Exhibition Catalog" authored by Ida Bagus Putu Purwa. Simply click on the hyperlink provided for direct download access.

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And that wraps up my exploration of the Contemporary Building at Sonobudoyo Museum. I trust this journey through vibrant artworks and cultural treasures has left you intrigued. Stay tuned for more captivating adventures as I continue to unveil the wonders of Yogyakarta. Until next time, keep exploring!