Darbotz

Srisasanti Gallery is pleased to present Monstrous Mastery, Darbotz’s first solo exhibition with the gallery. In this solo exhibition, Darbotz uses Monsters as an analogy that symbolizes the consequences and compensations derived from his struggles for survival in a megapolitan city such as Jakarta. The exhibition will showcase new works by Darbotz that consist of 29 paintings on canvas, 24 drawings on paper, 10 drawings as a collaboration with Yogyakarta graffiti artists, two sculptures, and murals that will adorn the gallery space.

The dynamic and ever-changing capital city of Jakarta fosters a life marked by harshness and uncertainty. The heightened tension, vehicular congestion, anger, and unwavering persistence reflect the tumultuous essence of life in Jakarta's heart. The exhibited works draw inspiration from the contradictions presented by the juxtaposition of urban progress and human alienation.

Darbotz intricately weaves this theme into his solo exhibition in Yogyakarta. A city shrouded in the myth of its artistic and graffiti greatness. A city that is not tendentious and embraces the values of community and hospitality. A city that, over a dozen years ago, etched Darbotz's memories through art performances, complete with its graffiti scene.

The overlapping elements of "Monstrous" and "Mastery" synergize, leading to a profound reflection on humanity's resilience. Choosing graffiti as his visual language, Darbotz recognizes the cityscape as a potential canvas, a concept he has explored since 2004 as the monster figure evolves. Graffiti, as a medium of street expression, possesses a magical power that can evoke an adrenaline rush and immerse individuals in city life.

Additionally, it holds a communicative power that sparks a hidden dialogue. In this Monstrous Mastery exhibition, Darbotz adeptly encapsulates his works, exploratively revealing the dark side and ambiguity of human survival amidst the harshness of urban life.