“The Breath of Nasirun” the metamorphosis of tradition（TOKYO）

Mizuma Art Gallery is delighted to announce the exhibition “The Breath of Nasirun: The Metamorphosis of Tradition” opening on Wednesday 10th September 2014.

Nasirun was born in 1965 in Cilacap on the island of Java, Indonesia.

He has been recognized as one of the most significant artists at work in Indonesia today. In 2013 alone, he held exhibitions internationally and was commissioned to produce a large-scale installation for inclusion in the Singapore Biennale. His works have been favourably received by Indonesian people. This is his first solo show in Japan.

Indonesia, like Japan, is an island nation engulfed in rich natural scenery. Also like Japan it has a long-held tradition of belief in spirits, and many Indonesians follow a creed of local animistic gods known as Kejawen. As an artist raised in this environment, Nasirun is not attracted by one particular religion in his work, but by the sincerity with which mankind has faith in these kinds of spirits.

Nasirun’s works depict his own mental world as a Javanese person, and his thoughts and emotions regarding the many encounters within daily life there. The metaphors with which he expresses these ideas are the unique visual language with which his pieces take form.

We warmly welcome you to the first solo show in Japan of one of Indonesia’s most well-known, well-loved artists.