Syaiful A Rachman

ARTIST BIO

(b. 1974, INDONESIA)

There are many who regard mainstream culture and the mass media with disdain, believing that the consumption of preferred attitudes and ideas is a symptom of a shallow, frivolous milieu. Yet there are others who are not so quick to pass judgment on the widespread disposition towards popular culture, instead taking it as a window through which we may gain insight into the very core of humanity’s strengths and weaknesses. Syaiful A. Rachman is one such person. His paintings reveal his interest in the development of what some might flippantly term “mass culture”, as this “mass culture” that we often carelessly refer to is in fact much more profound and complex than we might think.

Prominent figures are recurrently featured in Syaiful’s paintings. His particular fascination with these celebrities is derived from the conviction that they are the “’nodes’ of various things – persona, popularity and even power, [all of] which are manifested in every human subject”. These easily recognizable household names perhaps reify such traits in a more accentuated way than the ordinary individual, hence explaining Syaiful’s choice in making them the subject matter of his work. However, lest one be led to believe otherwise, Syaiful’s interest is not only focused on famous figures. Many of his art substantiate his passion for the fervor and ebullience of everyday characters as well.

It is only upon a more conscientious scrutiny of Syaiful’s paintings that one might truly catch a glimpse of his artistic inventiveness.  It becomes clear that his portraits are composed of hundreds – even thousands – of minuscule, faceless human figures. A peremptory glance at any of Syaiful’s paintings is enough to trick the viewer into thinking that these diminutive people are nothing more than an exceptionally pronounced attempt at pointillism. The scrupulous inclusion of this anonymous crowd is not merely a clever contrivance, as it also serves as an analogy to the roots of popular culture. Amidst our glorification and idolatry of the sought-after crowd, it is easy to forget that it is the power of our favor that holds them aloft. Through his precise brushstrokes that emphasize just the right amount of colors and shadows in the appropriate places, Syaiful leads us to the realization of the diverse distribution of power between and amongst people from all factions of society.

EDUCATION

Institute of Arts in Yogyakarta

EXHIBITIONS

AUCTION

33 Auction Singapore, Borobudur Auction

AWARDS

COLLECTIONS

Works held in private collections in INDONESIA, SINGAPORE, HONG KONG,  AUSTRALIA