Exhibition "Weruh": Diving into the Spiritual World and Introspection in Visual Arts in Jakarta
JAKARTA - The "Weruh" exhibition was officially opened on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Ruang Garasi, Jl. Gandaria IV No.2, Kramat Pela, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. This exhibition features works by three Indonesian female artists, namely Edya Asmara, Sari Koeswoyo, and Teti Tresnasari, with curator Mayek Prayitno. The exhibition, led by the Director of Ruang Garasi, KaNA Fuddy Prakoso, runs from June 29 to July 13, 2024.
Curator Mayek Prayitno revealed that these three artists conceptualized "Weruh" as knowing or understanding something related to spirituality and inspiration that suddenly appears in the mind and is manifested in art. "Weruh is about feeling something deeply, whether it is an idea, soul, or spirit," he explained.
Artist Teti Tresnasari conveyed that her work "My Dancing Soul" depicts strokes that reflect form and color. For her, each stroke carries its own message, and art is about enjoying each message and style. "Weruh is energy that moves, flowing through writing instruments and paper, and brings a frequency of vibration that captivates my soul," said Teti Tresnasari.
Meanwhile, artist Edya Asmara explained that her work focuses on self-introspection, self-control, and self-improvement. For example, Edya showcased a 50 x 50 cm painting made from plastic bags and acrylic paint depicting "Batara Guru", which symbolizes human consciousness without ego. "Batara Guru is the simplest form of human consciousness, where we are not bothersome to others," she said.
One of her works inspired by Borobudur Temple shows five women each reacting differently after hearing a story. Edya uses plastic waste in her works, reflecting her concern for the environment.
Edya Asmara is known for her eight works, including "Naung", "Kesadaran", "Wayang", "Tabur Tuai", "Aksara", "Setela", "Mawas Diri", and "Lamunan". “All of these works have themes of introspection and self-control,” she explained.
On the other hand, artist Sari Koeswoyo displayed a painting themed "Mother in Sorrow" on a wall five meters high and six meters wide. This painting resembles a mural depicting Batara Guru ready to pounce, while a female figure (Mother Earth) leans against a tree trunk entwined by a green dragon crowned with gold. This painting illustrates a chaotic socio-political condition and uncontrolled power.
Weruh
"Weruh" is a knowledge that crosses the mind and directs someone to assume or speculate something. Curator Mayek Prayitno explained that "Weruh" in Javanese carries the connotation of knowledge that emerges and encourages someone to assume or speculate.
The philosophy of Immanuel Kant describes "Weruh" as transcendent, which is the consciousness within humans before encountering empirical experience. Reality is divided into two: Phenomena (the visible) and Noumena (the invisible or transcendent), which are the mysterious inner wealth of individuals. "Weruh" in this exhibition is considered something transcendent within a person.[*]
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