Afdhal experiments with non-traditional combinations of materials – sponge, silicon caulk sealant, paint and electricity cables. Many times he also uses waste materials in his artworks. Living in Yogyakarta with his young family, not far from the ever active volcano Mount Merapi, Afdhal is much concerned with the environment, especially with the relation of human to the nature. It is a delicate balance that easily tips to other side of the scale.
Afdhal makes installations, paintings and sculptures to depict this vulnerability and insignificance of human. He creates figurative sculptures without faces postured as if deep in thought. His larger paintings many times depict large animals in a surreal environment, surrounded by mysterious mathematical objects. There are fine lines leading to celestial bodies or simply spanning across the canvas. The animal figures while undoubtedly are symbols of strength, are set against tiny human figures or manly created objects. One could wonder who is more vulnerable; Nature of Human…
His art gains more recognition not only in Indonesia but also outside the country (Singapore, The Netherlands, Belgium). Afdhal recently also makes small works in wooden frames or plexi glass boxes – again using many artificial materials, as if to stress the artificiality of current human existence.
Born:
29 March, 1981 in Dumai, Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia
Education:
Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
