Divine Presence
Indonesian artist J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra holds his first solo exhibition with Srisasanti Gallery.
November 4, 2024
Installation view of J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra's Tears from Heaven exhibition
Srisasanti Gallery presents Tears from Heaven, J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra’s (b.1984, Indonesia) first solo exhibition with the gallery. Pramuhendra maintains his position as an artist who consistently uses charcoal and canvas. It can be said that he is currently the foremost and most renowned Indonesian artist known for his charcoal-based paintings/drawings. This exhibition features two installations and 11 new charcoal drawings on canvas created in 2024.
Pramuhendra is interested in religious themes—especially Catholicism—where the symbolism and composition that can be found in his works often refer to the Bible or Renaissance paintings. However, he dedicates this exhibition to discuss contemporary issues around women, which are present through their figures, who are the main subjects in this series of works. His current works focus on women’s capacities beyond the societal roles typically imposed on them.
The title of this exhibition is taken from its central work, “Tears from Heaven,” an installation that presents an appropriation of Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture with artificial rain that resembles tears falling from heaven. “Tears from Heaven” is located on the 1st floor of the gallery, with dramatic lighting, accompanied by the song “Fall” by the Icelandic band Sigur Ros.
On the 2nd floor of the gallery, Pramuhendra presents an installation in the form of large, burnt wooden beams, stacked like the remnants of a Cross. The title of this work, “Calvary”—referring to the name of the hill where Jesus was crucified—is a reminder of the transience of worldly existence.
As seen in the installation, the interplay of light and dark is the main force in Pramuhendra’s charcoal paintings. In this exhibition, Pramuhendra created a painting measuring 4 x 18 meters, titled “In the Quiet Night of The Grand Theater,” depicting 22 women sitting behind a long dining table, much like the composition of the painting “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. This painting is the largest the artist has ever made and the gallery has ever exhibited.
J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra is an Indonesian artist who stands out in the Asian art scene for his unique approach, utilizing charcoal and canvas to craft realistic yet dramatic compositions. A significant element of Pramuhendra’s work revolves around self-portraits, with the artist often positioning himself as the protagonist or central figure within his narrative. His large-scale charcoal drawings on canvas transcend conventional boundaries, depicting scenes from famous movies, paintings, and notably, the Bible.
The artist’s process involves staging scenes, photographing them, and then meticulously transferring them onto canvas using only charcoal and his fingers. Pramuhendra’s quest for identity takes center stage in his creations, prompting introspective questions about self, religion, and societal roles. Pramuhendra’s upbringing in a Catholic family adds layers of complexity to his exploration, especially in a predominantly Muslim country like Indonesia. His works serve as a commentary on the unresolved national identity, influenced by political changes, media accessibility, and contemporary awareness.
