Super Nova - Jompet x Taylor Duet Show

Supernova
A duet show of Jompet Kuswidananto and Aaron Taylor Kuffner
Supernova was selected as a title to this show for its characteristic rapid succession between light and darkness. Two polarising qualities within one chain of events; ultimate brightness preceding all-consuming darkness. At the same time, imagining Supernova as the way humanity meets its impending demise has a sense of poeticality in them. One final blast of utter chaos and beauty before nothingness engulf whatever remains.

In this duet show, both Jompet Kuswidananto and Aaron Taylor Kuffner’s body of works has multiple paralleling elements that seem oppositional but actually speak the same breadth of narrative. In its formal aspect, both Kuswidananto and Kuffner’s work incorporate light, sound, and movement elements. However, they do it in almost opposite methods. While Kuswidananto’s installation creates chaotic
noises, Kuffner’s sets his frequencies to emulate divine and spiritual peace; where Kuffner’s work reflects the ambient light surrounding it, Kuswidananto’s work emphasises darkness through its illumination.

Conceptually, the artists share a similar sentiment towards the history of Java and the history of humankind in general. They believe that history exists as a record of discourses and flawed actions for the future generation to analyse, take apart, re-read and learn. What renders history ineffective in carrying out its benefit to humanity is when it is overly-preserved and romanticised. In the end, these frozen mystified stories serve only a decorative purpose, like rows of untouched, pristine trophies without the memory of its experience. Both Kuswidananto and Kuffner treat fragments of traditions and memories of Java in a Foucauldian manner. It does not examine historical documents to present a monolith of chronological truth but to excavate bits of strategies, past wisdom and discourses into contemporary applications. In manifesting these approaches into artworks, both artists seem to gravitate towards monumentalisation, the works taking their beholder’s attention hostage and expands their presence beyond the area they occupy. Both equally acclaimed in their respective scenes, Kuswidananto and Kuffner brought their own twists into this quest to reveal the past within the present, history within memory, the shadow behind the shine. Because of the criticality of both artists, “Supernova” becomes a unique show where meaningful discourse may be presented in a splendour of visual ensemble to its audience. Thus, it is an honour and treasured opportunity for ISA Art and Design to create this exhibition in our new space and present the works to their best potential.