Eyes of Matrix – Group Exhibitions

The term “matrix” seems to stick to the idioms of mathematics. It is true that in mathematics and computer science, matrix is an arrangement of numbers, symbols, or expressions in rows and columns that form a square and serves to represent linear transformations. While in biology matrix is material or tissue in animal or plant cells where the structure is embedded. But if we trace it further, matrix has an ancient definition which means ‘womb’. Etymologically, it comes from the Latin ‘matrix’ which means reproduction, derived from word ‘mater’ (mother). Referring to the broader meaning, matrix is the place or point from which something originates, takes shape, or develops. It is an environment or matter where something creates a structure.

The theme of the exhibition “Eyes of Matrix” then translated as the way of each artist sees and perceives frictions as individual parts of the social matrix, then responded by creating a matrix of their own through works of art. This is interesting when associated with the role of artists in the midst of social life that cannot be separated from the social construction that is interwoven into society. Rules and values are instilled in the subconscious mind from birth by parents, siblings, teachers, schools, religions, media, government, companies, and others. Social construction is self which shapes the way we see the world around us, which is sometimes biased from the truth. “Eyes of Matrix” gives artists the legitimacy to create their personal matrix through works of art.

The criticality of thinking about the development of the world around them became the forerunner of creative process of the female artists, which on August 29 to September 29, 2018, is exhibited at the Redbase Foundation. Among them are 7 young artists: Ajeng Pratiwi, Alfi Nur Laila, DH Mahardika, Ipeh Nur,Kalya Risangdaru, Meliantha Muliawan, Veronica Liana, and one art community, namely Tulang Rusuk. Through variety of exploration on mediums, these female artists voices concern for a variety of issues, ranging from the smallest spheres, which are personal and family, to socio-political topics and environmental issues.

The very personal theme can be found in the work of Meliantha Muliawan with the representation of everyday objects, like clothes, which is hardened with resin and acrylic, seems she is trying to perpetuate them with the construction of memory and new meaning. Ipeh Nur is a little different, personal issue she raised was rooted in her experience in dealing with anxiety, fear, anxiety, even skepticism about the various problems she faced around her. Her works are black and white illustration on paper and ceramic sculptures. Furthermore, related to family theme, the Tulang Rusuk Community made an installation work based on interaction by raising the idea of the family room as a space for meeting, sharing, and creating values.

Responding to the issue of gender-based social construction, Kalya Risangdaru presented watercolor paintings and gouache on paper, which subversively threw feminist issues which she associated with pain. Meanwhile Alfi Nur Laila voiced honesty and sincerity within the scope of modern society which for her has been politicized with full of pretense. The social theme is also carried by Ajeng Pratiwi by utilizing medium metal, ceramics and resin. The visualization of her work seemed tense and dramatic. She raised the idea of the law of cause and effect.

Furthermore, the environmental theme can be seen in Veronica Liana’s painting that specifically discusses the impact of plastic waste as a result of industrial development and consumptive behavior, which has actually tormented the earth, the motherland. There is also DH Mahardika that talks about environmental issues in three-dimensional forms, combined with personal issues. This is a way for her to understand the relation between herself as person and the environment.

In the exhibition “Eyes of Matrix” these seven artists and the Tulang Rusuk community manage their spatial dimensions as independent individuals amid haunting social construction. This is where those artists take control of creating a matrix for their imagination.