Unpacking: Symbolism

 

Pencuri Arca draws attention to the widespread disappearance of the heads of the statues in the Plaosan Temple in Klaten, Central Java. The figures have been stolen for sale or demolished by natural catastrophes over hundreds of years. Enka's black and white works portray the theft of the statues by a group of men in masks, and as in many of his paintings the depiction of himself as one of them represents a modern Javanese person who played a role in this action. Of the three images within this work, one illustrates a stolen Ganesha statue which symbolizes wisdom, understanding and intellectuality. Widely regarded as the remover of obstacles and as a sign from people in the past, the Ganesha statues were planted to mark locations vulnerable to disasters. However, the emergency warning was also lost when most statues were moved and stolen. Exploring the agency of ancient relics in today’s cultures, when their capacity has been rejected through acts of violence or indifference, the artist questions the impact of obliterating statues on our psyches, cultures and historiographies.


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Think About/Discuss:

The Pencuri Arca series demonstrates elements of visual language dispersed throughout the exhibition. A consistent imagery is the appropriation of traditional Javanese masks covering anonymous faces. The series also focuses on one of Enka’s key symbols; objects with metaphoric significances. As an example, the Genasha in this work is often used in Java as a tetenger or guardian of a place of misfortune.

Using The Frames as your point of enquiry, discuss some of the significant symbols and meanings portrayed in this series. Some ideas could be:

  • Use of black and white

  • Use of historical/religious relics

  • Traditional Java Masks

  • Ropes

  • Environment/setting

Frames Questions:

Structural Frame: Investigate ways in which artists have created a visual language to reveal what is invisible to others.

Postmodern Frame: Investigate how and why contemporary artists sample the past and repurpose it for the present.

Subject Frame: Analyse how emotion is used in artworks to provoke and generate discussion about ideas and issues.

Cultural Frame: Artworks shape the way we understand culture. With reference to this statement, explain how artists raise awareness of economic, political or social issues.