Bayu Utomo Radjikin’s first solo exhibition since his return from a two year stint in the UK, consists of two bodies of works, 15 pieces that were created during his time spent in London, and a further 10 paintings that were subsequently made in Kuala Lumpur on his return. An artist who is profoundly affected by his surroundings, it is apparent that there is a distinct difference between the works that were executed in the UK and those done in Malaysia.
A shift was already evident from the first few pieces he made while in London. ‘Angel’ and ‘All Saints’, which were painted in reaction towards the terrorist attacks on the London transport system in July 2005, display the deep impact the incident had on him. These two paintings and the ones that followed, are introspective yet possess a freedom about them that is indicative of the way the artist felt as a Malaysian in Europe, questioning identity, integrating into a new society, and weighing up the differences between the familiar and the unknown . The London pieces are a refreshing body of works by Bayu Utomo Radjikin, akin to the break that his sojourn to London afforded him.
Settling back into life at home had its fair share of ups and downs. Within his comfort zone again, Bayu’s new works are akin to the rediscovery of an old ‘friend’, with references drawn from some of his earlier experiences and works.
This exhibition, which is aptly entitled, ‘Mind the Gap’, clearly demonstrates the impact that his environment has had on the creation of his works.
Puisi Jiwa I
135cm x 259cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Puisi Jiwa II
135cm x 259cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Puisi Jiwa III
135cm x 259cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Puisi Jiwa IV
135cm x 259cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Tanpa Tajuk I
94cm x 244cm, Mixed media on canvas
Tanpa Tajuk II
94cm x 244cm, Mixed media on canvas
Tanpa Tajuk III
94cm x 244cm, Mixed media on canvas
Bayang
172cm x 270cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Rentas (triptych)
231cm x 297cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Dibayangi Membayangi Terbayang
172cm x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007 172cm x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007 172cm x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2007
Previously collected works on loan for this exhibition
All Saints Angel
63cm x 137cm, Oil on Canvas 63cm x 137cm, Oil on Canvas
Conversation by River Thames Monologue at Tate Britain
57.5cm x 139.5cm, Oil on Canvas, 2005 57.5cm x 139.5cm, Oil on Canvas, 2005
Conversation by Trafalgar Square "Conversation at Picadilly Circus"
57.5cm x 139.5cm, Oil on Canvas, 2005 57.5cm x 139.5cm, Oil on Canvas, 2005
"Words at the Acropolis", Athens, 2006 " Words at the Brandenberger Tor", Berlin, 2006
Acrylic on canvas, 58cm x 139cm Acrylic on canvas, 58cm x 139cm
"Words at the louvre", Paris, 2006 "Words at the parc de cascada", Barcelona, 2006
Acrylic on canvas, 58cm x 139cm Acrylic on canvas, 58cm x 139cm
3 Penjuru Terbang Let me fly
173cm x 120cm, 78cm x 137cm 78cm x 137cm
Acrylic on canvas, 2006 Acrylic on canvas, 2005 Acrylic on canvas, 2005
Sight
40cm x 100cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2006
Read Article:
"Merging familiar with unknown"
New Straits Times, 14th June 2007
"Mind the Power" by Vivienne Pal
The Star, 8th July 2007