On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, students from the Department of Performance Arts and Visual Arts Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) visited Goenawan Mohamad’s 18th solo exhibition as part of a field study for the Art Criticism course taught by Prof. Drs. Martinus Dwi Marianto, MFA, Ph.D. The exhibition is held at the Srisasanti Gallery, Tirtodipuran Link Building B, Yogyakarta, from February 22 to April 20, 2025. It showcases 59 works of visual art, consisting of 19 paintings, 25 drawings, 11 gum oil prints, three etchings, and one installation object, most of which were created between 2017 and 2025.
On the gallery’s first floor, visitors can explore sketches, drawings, and gum oil prints that maintain a strong figurative element These are accompanied by an installation surrounded by several paintings. Meanwhile, the second floor features a series of paintings that reflect Goenawan Mohamad’s latest artistic tendencies, which are increasingly inclined toward abstract expressionism. This shift underscores the artist’s long-standing discomfort with what is conventionally called as “reality.”
The works in this exhibition reflect Goenawan Mohamad’s dedication to constructing imagery through rigorous foundational exercises. The media used, such as pencils, charcoal, ink, pens, and acrylic paint on paper and canvas, serve as tools to rediscover the forms of objects and living beings, capture fleeting moments, memories from travels, encounters with words and readings, and respond to particular figures.
According to Goenawan Mohamad, drawing represents a visual energy that brings unique joy. There, is always an unexpected element driven by an imagination that never ceases. With this awareness, he continues to develop his artistic exploration through different media and techniques. Some exhibited works, including oil paintings, charcoal drawings, and graphic prints, reflect his creative process across various locations, such as Pasar Minggu in Jakarta, Bangunjiwo in Bantul, Yogyakarta, and Ubud in Bali.
This exhibition reflects Goenawan Mohamad’s artistic journey and invites visitors to explore the artist’s thoughts and imagination. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate profound questions concerning life, art, and humanity through his monochromatic works, meaningful paintings, and art installations. This exhibition aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (OS)
