The Dono Code
The Dono Code
Amsterdam's Tropenmuseum plays host to a staggering collection of Indonesian critical art in The Dono Code. The exhibition runs in the Park Room of the museum until 28 February, 2010.
Political commentary
The exhibition presents a retrospective of work by acclaimed Indonesian artist Heri Dono (Jakarta, 1960). Dono uses a variety of media to provide a critical and often humoristic commentary on current affairs, political concerns and social issues in his native country. This is the first ever retrospective of his oeuvre in the Netherlands.
Fusing worlds
Heri Dono draws inspiration from elements of folk traditions that are common knowledge in Indonesia - the 'wayang' game, the life of the everyman and Tau Tau effigies are all addressed. Dono combines these elements with more familiar Western images, for example of the comic hero Flash Gordon. The fusion of material from different worlds allows Dono to communicate in a creative, visual language that is accessible to his audience.
Glocal artistry
Justifiably classed as a glocal artist, Heri Dono masterfully combines global and local elements. His work comments on the changing Indonesian society that is caught up with developments in the rest of the world. The Dono Code aptly demonstrates that while Dono's work can be cryptic (a necessary evil as criticising the government in Indonesia was risky business in Indonesia for many years), it is still clearly recognisable and comprehensible.
Amsterdam's Tropenmuseum plays host to a staggering collection of Indonesian critical art in The Dono Code. The exhibition runs in the Park Room of the museum until 28 February, 2010.
Political commentary
The exhibition presents a retrospective of work by acclaimed Indonesian artist Heri Dono (Jakarta, 1960). Dono uses a variety of media to provide a critical and often humoristic commentary on current affairs, political concerns and social issues in his native country. This is the first ever retrospective of his oeuvre in the Netherlands.
Fusing worlds
Heri Dono draws inspiration from elements of folk traditions that are common knowledge in Indonesia - the 'wayang' game, the life of the everyman and Tau Tau effigies are all addressed. Dono combines these elements with more familiar Western images, for example of the comic hero Flash Gordon. The fusion of material from different worlds allows Dono to communicate in a creative, visual language that is accessible to his audience.
Glocal artistry
Justifiably classed as a glocal artist, Heri Dono masterfully combines global and local elements. His work comments on the changing Indonesian society that is caught up with developments in the rest of the world. The Dono Code aptly demonstrates that while Dono's work can be cryptic (a necessary evil as criticising the government in Indonesia was risky business in Indonesia for many years), it is still clearly recognisable and comprehensible.
- Tell a friend
| Back to results |