Indonesian artist Mulyana shines a light on the fragility of marine ecosystems through his innovative use of plastic bags, nets, and yarn. In his latest solo exhibition, “Remembering Our Collective Future” at Sapar Contemporary, Mulyana uses recyclable materials to create striking sculptures and wall hangings that draw attention to the impact of human activity on the ocean, particularly coral bleaching.
Curated by John Silvis, the exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on the climate crisis and the urgent need for environmental preservation. Through the use of a monochromatic palette of white, Mulyana symbolizes purity while also highlighting the environmental issues at hand. Photographs by Ign Raditya Bramantya capture the essence of coral and marine life as it traverses the city streets, bringing a touch of the ocean to everyday life.
Mulyana’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident in his intricate twisting, knotting, and wrapping of plastic netting, cable wire, and yarn to create sculptures that resemble coral formations and whimsical sea creatures. The exhibit at Sapar Contemporary runs from October 22 to November 20 in New York City, coinciding with a complementary showcase at the Charles B. Wang Center at SUNY Stony Brook titled “Yarnscapes: Mulyana’s Environmental Tapestries.”
“Yarnscapes” features vibrant yarn works inspired by marine life, showcasing costumes and characters that add a playful element to Mulyana’s environmental message. Together, the two exhibitions serve as a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with the oceans and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
For more information on Mulyana and his work, visit his website and Instagram. And if stories and artists like this matter to you, consider becoming a Colossal Member to support independent arts publishing, enjoy ad-free browsing, save your favorite articles, and receive exclusive benefits in the Colossal Shop.
