There is something unique about the artwork of Didik Nurhadi: The human figures therein are obese. The result, to many Indonesians, is that the images contained within the space of his canvasses do nothing less than create a comical atmosphere. Didik's works are humorous but disturbing parody. That, among other things, is the impression one gets when seeing the paintings created by Didik Nurhadi. Especially because the human beings he is depicting carry a wide range of human emotional expressions on their faces. Their expressions are angry, surprised, or sincere. Some of the titles Didik Nurahadi gives to his works are highly associative.

In the work, Belajar jadi Feminist (Learning to be a Feminist) (2003), the painting in this biennial, Didik Nurhadi struts out commentary of this trend. Ten women, their bodies excessively obese, are depicted with a variety of expression,s and in this case, even with a variety of behaviors. One is taking pictures, one is speaking into her handphone, another is whispering something to an acquaintance, and others appear to be in the midst of a debate about something - complete with the "defense" and "offense" of the opposing parties. In the background, a woman in a white traditional kebaya blouse, who is only depicted from the torso downwards, hugs a globe of the earth. This figure compelements the four other globes forming a backdrop to the female figures that are the main subject of this painting.

In this painting, Didik Nurhadi appears to be commenting on the issue of gender awareness that is sweeping certain segments of the female populace of Indonesia. This global wave of awareness seems to be coming into collision with the behavior generally exhibited by the women of Indonesia: taking delight in gossip, prestentiousness, and other characteristics of this ilk. It is as if Didik Nurhadi is questioning the questions arising in the name of the new awareness that is making itself felt among a segment of our society.

Maman Gantra

Born on October 24, 1972.
Studied at Indonesia Institute of The Arts (ISI), Yogyakarta (BFA ; 1999).

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
1998 Kedai Kebun, Yogyakarta.
2000 "Intimacy", Gelaran Budaya Art Centre, Yogyakarta.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
1999 "Philip Morris Indonesia Art Award", National Gallery, Jakarta; "Arts Biennial VI", Purna Budaya Art Centre, Yogyakarta.
2000 "Young Artists", Purna Budaya Art Centre, Yogyakarta; "Shifting Point", Gelaran Budaya, Yogyakarta.
2001 Reflections", Darga Gallery, Bali; "Gelart: Report from Yogya", Gelaran Budaya Art Centre, Yogyakarta.
2002 "Indofood Art Award", National Museum, Jakarta; "Gelart 2002 : Sepiring Indonesia", Gelaran Budaya Art Centre, Yogyakarta.

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