Artist Talk: Wiyoga Muhardanto: Where do we go for MAKAN?

Venue: INSTINC Space, 39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065

Exhibition Duration: 06–07 March 2024 (Thurs.–Fri.) 1PM–7PM. 08–09 March 2024 (Sat.–Sun.) 1PM–6PM.

Where do we go for Makan? is a contemporary art exhibition by Indonesian sculptor, Wiyoga Muhardanto. In this final presentation of his three-months residency with INSTINC Space, the artist explores urban community behaviours in Singapore through a series of site-specific miniatures. Inspired by the particularity of Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Muhardanto maps out the unique culture of art hubs in Singapore, and centres his studies upon its influences on the facilitation of art appreciation.

Based in Bandung, Indonesia, Wiyoga Muhardanto anchors his artistic practice in the medium of sculpture in the form of miniature figures, buildings, furniture and means of transportation. In the last few years, his work has focused on the exploration of issues around social mobility through incorporating methods of duplication, simulation and the juxtaposition of daily objects.

Triggered by the location where INSTINC Space is currently located, namely Tanjong Pagar Distripark (TPD), Muhardanto conducted a project which discussed the influences this new art hub has brought to individuals with the desires to have a career in understanding and managing contemporary art exhibitions in Singapore and the world. The artist has observed that art hubs appear to be a characteristic of Singapore in mapping various aspects of life. Locals can easily find centres for food, sports, health and even art. TPD, in specific, is one of the many art hubs that aims to facilitate access for visitors, art practitioners and art collectors to appreciate exhibitions or works on display.

In this solo-exhibition entitled ‘Where do we go for Makan?’, Wiyoga Muhardanto transforms public furniture, a metaphor for new centres created for art workers to complain and share their life experiences, into a site-specific miniature. ‘Where do we go for Makan?’ is a title adopted from the Singapore slang language, which is an expression used when people want to spend time with friends or colleagues after work, attending music concerts or appreciating art exhibitions. It is an exhibition that examines how contemporary art becomes a cause for art practitioners to carry out social mobility, and reflects upon the derivative issues faced by social groups and individuals involved in the productivity of activities, rotation of works of art, and the alternation of residencies within the TPD community.