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Jakarta exhibition delves into finding life's purpose
A painting exhibition at Ruang Seduh in Kemang, South Jakarta, highlights the quest to find the purpose of life.
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Some of the paintings displayed in the 'Teduh' exhibition at Ruang Seduh, Kemang, South Jakarta. (Atreyu Moniaga Project/File)
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n exhibition of paintings at Ruang Seduh in Kemang, South Jakarta, highlights the quest to find the purpose of life. Entitled "Teduh" (Shade) and curated by writer Ve Handojo, it is the first solo exhibition of artist-model Han Chandra.
Han’s head has been filled with questions about life ever since he graduated from a university in Jakarta majoring in graphic design.
“Whenever I achieve something, I ask the question – is it enough? Am I doing it right?” he told The Jakarta Post by phone.
People ask the same question throughout different phases in their life, he said, starting from the teenage phase to post-marriage. “When we feel it’s the right [path], we’re like, ya sudah jalani saja [just do it].”
Organized by the Atreyu Moniaga Project, the exhibition, slated to run until April 7, features seven colorful paintings. Han used acrylic paints as he is more comfortable using them. It took four months for him to finish the work, but the brainstorming process itself took up to nine months.
However, those who have the same questions about life as Han, may not find the answers in his paintings. “I don’t say that I have found the purpose of my life, but in the process of searching for it, I have met many things,” he said. “That’s why I named it ‘Teduh’. During the journey, I found a place where I feel calm and it is represented by people around us who have given us comfort. When we’re down, they will always be there for us.”
Read also: Kemang exhibition transforms 'Raden Mandasia' novel into paintings
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“Perhaps life is like looking for a purpose that we may never find,” Han continued. “But I feel people are more important – they’re like my home and part of my life.”
For Han, the most challenging part when creating the paintings is the story that he wants to convey. “I want to express something that I feel and other people will also able to feel it but with different interpretations, stories and experiences,” Han said.
Back in 2017, Han wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled Tentang Memaafkan (A Tale of Forgiveness). Published by Erlangga for Kids, the book was actually part of his university project, but it has brought him a lot of attention ever since. Moreover, his modelling career has also expanded outside Indonesia, including to China and Vietnam.
As for his forthcoming plan, Han is seeking to write another book, particularly an e-book. He has also shared some of his artwork, including the 3D animation of Tentang Memaafkan, on his Instagram account. (kes)
