ROBY DWI ANTONO: LUNAR RITUALS
NANZUKA is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new works by Yogyakarta-based Indonesian artist Roby Dwi Antono at NANZUKA UNDERGROUND, entitled “LUNAR RITUALS”.
October 18 – November 17, 2024
For this exhibition, Roby has returned to working with oil paint, making a decided shift from the oil chalk and oil pastel canvas works he exhibited three years ago, to produce a series of profound and mystical paintings depicted with painstaking attention to detail. Roby mentions the theme of this series as being a “life cycle.” Having become a father this year with the birth of his first child, Roby reflects on his past to ensure that his actions will bring about a positive cycle for his child in the future.
As implied by title of the exhibition “LUNAR RITUALS”, the moon appears as a symbol in all of the works presented. Roby sees the moon as a symbol of mystery. The moon itself is dark and is unable to generate its own light. However, For Roby, the way the moon shines at night, reflecting the light of the sun, became a symbol of spiritual goodness, intelligence, and introspection.
This belief that the moon represents rebirth is consistent with the rich symbolism of Javanese culture in Indonesia, where the moon holds both spiritual and cultural significance. In Javanese culture, the moon is also a symbol of reflection and meditation, and bears a strong connection to feminine power. It is associated with fertility, nurturing, and the cycle of creation and rebirth, and is linked to the goddess Dewi Ratih, who symbolizes beauty, love, and devotion. This feminine energy reflects the nurturing role of women in Javanese society, while the moon represents protection, compassion, and the creative forces of nature.
“My works are like a mirror reflecting myself. Often, they are also a space for self-criticism, as I attempt to repair my past or give hope for the future. I always feel the urge to gather all the scattered fragments of my memories and transform them into paintings.” - Roby Dwi Antono