In 2023, Lismore Regional Gallery will produce a series of self-generated exhibitions and projects with local and interstate artists at a pop-up space in Lismore CBD and offsite locations.
Kicking off the program at the pop-up space is Flame of Power, a powerful exhibition by Aris Prabawa. Prabawa is an Indonesian artist based in Lismore and Yogyakarta. His provocative work is delivered with masterful skill and attention to detail, using readily available materials such as found materials, charcoal, pencil, and the humble ballpoint pen.
“Since the floods, our team has worked passionately to provide opportunities for artists and creative engagement for the community. We are grateful to be back downtown in Lismore at our new pop-up space to present ten exhibitions and a series of public programs with support from the Australia Council for the Arts and Create NSW,” said Director of Lismore Regional Gallery, Ashleigh Ralph. “We are positive about 2023 and look forward to continuing offsite projects like LRG Nights and the Collage Club and delivering new projects like SITE LAB, a temporary art project in partnership with Arts Northern Rivers. It’s fitting that our pop-up space opens with Aris Prabawa’s exhibition, Flame of Power, which speaks to a diversity of experiences in Lismore and beyond.”
Aris Prabawa first came to drawing as a shy but creative boy, but it became a tool to communicate a message when he moved to Yogyakarta to attend the Indonesian Institute of Art. He found a passionate group of like-minded friends and founded several bands and art collectives, including Taring Padi. Art became of medium for protest and communicating political views. Taring Padi had considerable visibility in Indonesia and internationally. Their loud voice drew the attention of the Suharto regime, and there were regular attempts to censor them. Despite its members having dispersed worldwide, Taring Padi remains active and participated in the international juggernaut of an exhibition, Documenta Fifteen, at Kassel, Germany, in 2022.
Prabawa’s solo practice retains the political intention of his work with art collectives. Flame of Power demonstrates his despair of climate change and is a call to action to fight for the natural world. In addition, the work draws attention to the undeniable role of government and corporate businesses in their misuse of power and resources for commercial gain.
Prabawa says, “We need to preserve natural energy for the future generations. We must first respect the earth, human, animals, and the greatness of nature when defining progress.”
The Lismore flood adds to the gravity of his message about climate change. Prabawa was impacted personally by the Lismore flood – the home he shared with his partner and two children was flooded, and they lost almost everything. One small condolence was that ‘Nature Resist’, a 164 x 315cm drawing in ballpoint pen had been stashed in the ceiling. While the water came up to the roof cavity, the artwork was on an object that floated, and it miraculously survived. It had taken Aris a year to make.
This exhibition reflects the cost of human greed to the natural world, but it also calls out blindness and passivity. It is a mighty cry to live gently in this world and fight for change. It is an incredible achievement by a talented Lismore-based artist.
Aris Prabawa’s exhibition Flame of Power is at Lismore Regional Gallery’s pop-up space in Magellan St, Lismore until 25 February.
EXHIBITION
Aris Prabawa: Flame of Power
Open now until 25 February 2023
Lismore Regional Gallery pop-up space
46 Magellan Street, Lismore NSW 2480
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Thursdays until 6pm
lismoregallery.org