Storm Conqueror

b. 1973, Indonesia; based in Yogyakarta

This monochromatic painting depicts a large wave looming over a half-body figure staring directly at the audience. Masriadi’s paintings often engage social and political issues with humour, making pop culture references from anime to video games or comics. But this piece suggests a different mood: one of self-reflection. The scribbles over the figure act as an interior monologue; perhaps the work is a commentary about the struggles that the artist faces trying to make it in the art world.