Gajah Gallery Presents Indonesian Abstract Expressionist Ibrahim

30 Nov

The retrospective showcase charts the artists 20 year career
By A&M

Ibrahim, ‘Untitled’, 2018, acrylic, pencil on canvas, 200 x 200cm. Image courtesy of the artist and Gajah Gallery.

Ibrahim’s arrangement and juxtaposition of every stroke, line, unresolved shape or unfixed contour is an exploration, and a means to achieve the painting’s final composition. His artworks evoke his “dark narratives”, speaking of his pursuit not only to fill the void, but to flourish within it.

Rooted in abstract expressionism, Ibrahim’s practice is founded on an acute awareness of emotions. Ibrahim places no restrictions on the colours of his palette; tinges of neon, creating depth in the painting when juxtaposed against his muted tones. His method of painting serves an autobiographical exploration of the inner turbulence he felt, moving from the boisterous art scene in Java back to his hometown in West Sumatra to teach at the Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI)—Padang Panjang.

‘Flourishing Within The Void’ at Gajah Gallery Yogyakarta’s is Ibrahim’s first solo exhibition since showing at Gallery Semarang in 2008, and presents both old and new works. It opened on 22 November and will run through 10 December, with works priced from SGD800 to SGD9,600.

Gajah Gallery is looking forward to sharing Ibrahim's new phase in his artistic journey. "We believe that the works selected are representative of the major developments and changes in his practice since the early 2000s,” says the gallery. “Despite all odds, Ibrahim’s path as an artist has continued to persist and thrive. We’ve received a lot of interest leading up to the show’s opening.”