“Metal In Flux” Redefines Metal as a Living, Dynamic Medium in Indonesia’s Contemporary Art Exhibition

YOGYAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com — Indonesia’s contemporary craft scene is set to spotlight “Metal In Flux: Crafting Tradition and Innovation”, an exhibition at Omah Budoyo in Yogyakarta running from May 9 to June 9, 2026.

The exhibition brings together five Indonesian contemporary metal artists in a showcase that challenges traditional perceptions of metal while marking the retirement of senior Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta academic Titiana Irawani.

Curator Sudjud Dartanto said the exhibition examines metal beyond its conventional image as a rigid and static material, presenting it instead as a dynamic medium shaped by human intervention, technology, and social change.

“This exhibition dismantles the old perception of metal as an inanimate object and demonstrates that the material possesses both artistic flexibility and philosophical depth,” Sudjud said in an official statement on Saturday, Mei 9, 2026.

Participating artists include Alvi Lufiani, Budi Hartono, Dhyani W. Hendranto, Titiana Irawani, and the late Timbul Raharjo, each presenting works that merge craft traditions with contemporary artistic approaches.

Alvi Lufiani will showcase large-scale contemporary jewelry exploring ecological crisis and environmental sustainability. Budi Hartono uses brass and copper through manual forging techniques to create monumental works inspired by the Punakawan character Bawor.

Dhyani W. Hendranto presents sharp-edged jewelry pieces reflecting the emotional repression of urban women, while Titiana Irawani incorporates industrial waste materials such as exhaust pipes and used motorcycle gears to address personal memory and women’s resilience.

As a posthumous tribute, the exhibition will also feature works by Timbul Raharjo, highlighting his mastery of metal through precise bronze casting techniques.

The exhibition also challenges the rigid divide between fine art and craft, positioning metal art as an equal force within the contemporary art landscape.

The official opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. local time, with art critic Suwarno Wisetrotomo serving as host and filmmaker Garin Nugroho officiating the event. A metal-based performance by Paranoise Activity (Nanang Garuda and Friends) will also be featured.

Sudjud said the exhibition is expected to serve as a key moment for artists, academics, and craft enthusiasts to recognize the evolution of Indonesian contemporary metal art while honoring Titiana Irawani’s longstanding contribution to national craft education.

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