It turns out Arwin Hidayat is still breathing. The Indonesian artist doesn’t usually give his exhibitions long titles but TERNYATA AKU MASIH BERBAHAS (It Turns Out I’m Still Breathing) felt appropriate for this latest body of works. “I wake up and work, then sleep, then wake up and work again. I realise that as long as I’m still breathing I will always make new works and continue to experiment. My breath is for working and my breath is for my art,” he explains.
The Yogyakarta-based Hidayat’s deep curiosity for materials and making processes is also reflected in the influences that shape his visual storytelling. A lifelong artist who trained at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Hidayat’s work, which includes paintings, drawing, batik, ceramics and sculpture, draws on everything from childhood folk stories and batik prints to contemporary social issues and daily life in Indonesia.
“It’s only through art that I can speak, express my emotions, anger, even dirty talk. For me, there are no rules about good or bad art, or politeness. Good art means creating a work that is truly honest.”
For Mike Mitchell, director of Mitchell Fine Art, the breadth and dynamism of Hidayat’s work was an immediate draw. “Arwin is such an incredible talent and there was no question I was going to show his work. His use of high colour and combinations of traditional and contemporary motifs and composition is so fresh and exciting.”
Mitchell isn’t the only one excited to be bringing Hidayat’s work to Brisbane again, following a tight but well received show of paintings in January 2024. “This exhibition is [another] step to really introduce my work as an Indonesian artist in other countries, and I’m very happy to be appreciated in Australia.”
Arwin Hidayat: TERNYATA AKU MASIH BERBAHAS (It Turns Out I’m Still Breathing)
Mitchell Fine Art
29 July—23 August
This article was originally published in the July/August 2025 print edition of Art Guide Australia.
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