Sanggar Adem Ayem (Laid back Sanggar)

Hendro Wiyanto · 2017-12-17T00:00:00Z

Review of the Sanggar Bambu exhibition at Galeri R.J Katamsi, Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI), Yogyakarta, November-December 2017. Writer explained the specific sanggar spirit and legacy established by Sanggar Bambu, including its own definition of nationalism and being "political" in artistic practice (political is put in quotation throughout the text). Writing also touches upon the synergy between the traditions of Sanggar Bambu and formal academic traditions of art school being built upon having a common view of the 'finding yourself' artistic politics. Emphasise that sanggar allowed for 'experience in being part of society' as artists. Sanggar Bambu's inclination to distance itself from being 'political' result in its most successful artists are ones doing two-dimensional (dwimatra) works. Mention of Danarto, Hardiyono, and Isnaini M.H whose works are exhibited. "Except for Danarto who likes to leave the background of his drawing blank (reminiscence of Lempad in Bali), Isnaini and Hardiyono works are generally complex, full, and meticulously drawn." Mention there is only one reproduction of Danarto's drawing being exhibited, a wayang drawing from the illustrations he made in the 80s. In terms of legacy, there is a tendency towards drawing portraits of figure, as the many exhibited works of Syahwil, Handogo S., Supono Pr., Wardoyo, and others.. Referencing Claire Holt, portraits for artists in Yogya being a form of nationalism as the artwork is immortalised for the life of the country. However, some works diverge from this sanggar characteristic. Such as Muryoto Hartoyo doing geometric abstraction, sketches, and pop paintings by Suatmaji and Sudarisman from the 70s. These works felt more as the product of formal education rather than the Sanggar Bambu instinctual artistic model. "In other words, while formal education more or less adopt the sanggar spirit as a platform, Sanggar Bambu seem to not been influenced much by the dynamics in academia." Quoting Danarto saying, "Sanggar is dead, long live sanggar!" (Sanggar telah mati, hidup sanggar). Works and artists mentioned: Isnaini M.H - ink on paper drawings: landscape of skyscrapers and figure resembling totem and buraq, caricature portait of figures (Zaini to H.B Jassin) in Kebun Binatang TIM (1982); Hardiyono - Dewi Kunti (2012); Danarto - reproduction of his wayang drawing, Pembisik Gus Dur (2006-2009); portraits by Syahwil, Handogo S., Supono Pr., Wardoyo.