STEM Projects proudly presents The Daybreak Saga, the first solo exhibition by Anjastama HP (b. 1996, Indonesia) with the gallery. The exhibition explores the relationship between cultural identity and the modern context, drawing from the wayang epics, particularly the stories of Bima’s children: Antareja, Gatotkaca, and Antasena. The Daybreak Saga features 10 acrylic paintings on canvas.
Stemming from a deep appreciation for the art of wayang kulit, or Javanese shadow puppet, Anjastama revisits traditional narratives, focusing on the childhood of Bima’s three children—stories that are rarely highlighted in various media. Anjastama’s imagination places them in modern settings, confronting challenges and symbolic elements of contemporary life. This juxtaposition reflects on humanity and the tension between strength and the constraints of fate. Anjastama poses reflective questions such as, “What if Bima’s children lived in today’s world?” and “How can strength endure against the inevitability of fate?”
The work Step Into the Rising Glow portrays Antasena in modern attire, interacting with symbolic elements such as umbrellas, chairs, and luxurious food, representing human desires. Anjastama’s intricate landscapes, both indoor and outdoor, create a fusion of time and space, inviting the audience to delve into the journey of the characters.
The Daybreak Saga seeks to bridge the cultural heritage of the Nusantara with a contemporary spirit that resonates with today’s generation. The exhibition also invites the public to reflect on the role of myths and symbols in modern life, understanding myths as a language connecting human experiences with deeper meaning.
Artworks
Installation Views
Anjastama HP
