Flying horses and faceless men greet as saturated, contorted bodies dance beside smiling hybrids. A statement here, a shadow there—all around echoes a mystical, whimsical theatricality built upon alter-realities, imaginative personas and a dosage of carnival-esque silliness. Allegories & Identities is STPI Gallery’s first Indonesian group show that uncovers the spirited expressions and unconventional modes of three prominent artists Eko Nugroho, Entang Wiharso and Heri Dono, through selected works borne from their respective collaborations with the STPI Creative Workshop.

Like metaphorical modern-day dalangs (‘puppet masters’), Eko, Entang and Heri spin satirical epics that resonate with global citizens, transcending geographical, cultural and material boundaries. Complex and open-ended, they beckon us to expand our experiential perspectives and cultural viewpoints, as we confront their interpretation of the world we live in and the inner worlds within us.

A departure from the overtly political and rebellious art forms of the 1970s, the pluralism offered here reflects the increasing dynamism and hybridity of contemporary Indonesian expressions. Recent explorations have seen a shift from a focus on the turbulent past to concerns that illuminate sharp truths about life’s absurdities and human nature. At STPI, the artists have taken their explorations further, reconstructing their collage of traditional and modern artistic forms, high and low culture, and local and global references in print and paper, adding new dimensions to existing iconographies.