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Graphic art exhibit asks where dignity has gone
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'Mencari Target' (Looking for Target), graphic artwork by Muhlis Lugis exhibited at Balai Soedjatmoko, Surakarta, Central Java (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
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winner of a past graphic art competition held by Bentara Budaya cultural center, Muhlis Lugis presented a number of his artworks at a solo exhibition at Balai Soedjatmoko in Surakarta, Central Java.
Previously exhibited at Bentara Budaya Jakarta and Yogyakarta, the works of Muhlis carry the theme “Kemana Harga Diri” (where is dignity). As a man who hailed from Ulo, South Sulawesi, Muhlis was raised to become a man with integrity. His homeland is associated with the siri principals, or the pride to always be truthful, honest and just in life.
Muhlis expresses his concerns about moral degradation through Kemana Harga Diri, portraying the battle of ego, loss of shame and other social phenomena. Images of tangled body parts or close ups of human faces are formed by woodcut technique.
All are metaphors of today’s human problems with dignity presented in a world of absurdities. But it is actually a reality, in front of our very eyes.
Ardus M. Sawega, curator of the exhibition, said Muhlis had delivered the details and moods of his works poignantly. “It signals that woodcut could be further explored in the Indonesian art scene,” said Sawega.
True to the way Muhlis was brought up, his art pieces are the embodiment of strong concept, skill and hard work.
“He is a graphic artist who represents today’s Indonesian artists in that field, going against the main direction of contemporary arts,” Sawega went on saying.
The 29-year-old artist was the third winner of Graphic Art Triennial International Competition V in 2015 held by Bentara Budaya cultural center. First winner was Jayanta Naskar from India, and first runner-up was Puritip Suriyapatarapun from Thailand.
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Other exhibitions that featured Muhlis’ works include Makasar Biennial #2 “Maritim’ in Makassar, South Sulawesi, and Yogyakarta Graphic Art Week at SCOPE Art Show, Switzerland. (mut)
