Entang Wiharso

The bizarre and surreal in Entang Wiharso’s works is gripping and overpowering. It’s like an entire mythical universe unfolding with its distinct codes and syntax. As one delves further into this syntax, the meanings begin to emerge. Through his rather dramatic visual language and multi-disciplinary practice, Wiharso explores the complex socio-political realities of our times. Universal themes like love, loss, belonging, conflict, change and flux are a constant recurrence in his works. He articulates his visual vocabulary through the unique lens of his personal experiences and the primitive mythology of south-east Asian cultures.

Born in Central Java, Indonesia in 1967, Wiharso studied painting at the Fine Art department of the Indonesian Institute of Art, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He enjoys the vantage point of examining both cultures of his home country Indonesia and the west, transferring the dual perspective of an insider as well as an outsider. He divides his time between Indonesia and Rhode Island in the US, which is his second residence.  This gives Wiharso the unique position to juxtapose modernity and tradition, primitivism and pop culture, the ‘east’ and the ‘west’ compulsively.

Wiharso’s artworks are typically characterized by caricaturish imagery drawn from the vast reservoir of Indonesian folklore inducted over the backdrop of contemporary elements. The result is a powerful, disturbing and somewhat shocking visual that may not be disturbing but tickles our brain!

Wiharso is particularly renowned for his large scale paintings, installations and sculptures. He works with a variety of mediums and is known for assembling unconventional materials. His works have been exhibited widely in numerous gallery and museum shows, public and private collections as well as biennales and group shows in Indonesia and abroad.

Entang Wiharso lives and works in Rhode Island, USA and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.