The monkeys converge in a concentric circle, reminiscent of the stupas that make up Borobudur temple. Titled Monkeykineko, the art piece by the Wanara Studio art graphic design studio shows that the primates and their gestures—whether beckoning or waving, depending on one's perception—take a page out of the Maneki-neko, the Japanese cat figurine symbolizing luck.

While the installation art's name owes something to felines, the resemblance of their slate gray colors to the volcanic stone used to make Borobudur temple leaves little doubt about their inspiration.

“Resembling stone stupas, 40 small figures are arranged around a QR code. Through this QR code, visitors may discover a gigantic Maneki-neko in the form of augmented reality [AR],” said Wanara of Monkeykineko.

However, the Maneki-neko's frivolous, lighthearted touch belies its take on COVID-19 and the pandemic's toll on our physical, emotional and mental well-being.

“One of the impacts of social distancing and staying at home since the [COVID-19] pandemic is the limited interaction among human beings,” said Wanara Studio. “This evokes a different type of interaction, which is the interaction between human beings and non-humans, such as with plants or pets at home.”

Popular

Why EV makers choose Vietnam, not nickel-rich Indonesia

Jakarta library reopens to packed rooms, long queues

Govt banks on Rp 500t inflows to international financial center