Mohamad Yusuf (Ucup)
Simbok 2020
woodblock on grey cotton, 4/6,
81 x 122 cm (+ 8 cm cloth border)
Mohamad Yusuf (Ucup)
Artist Bio
Muhammad Yusuf graduated from Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) in 2006, majoring in painting but working with other media including comics, murals, puppets, performance and music. In addition, he was a member of the music bands SoekarMadjoe, 1997-2001, and Dendang Kampungan, 2000-2005. He now plays solo on DK SuperMakmur. Together with some of his activist friends, he founded LBK TARINGPADI in 1998 that is still very much active today.
The concept of his works revolves around socio-political and ecological awareness of Indonesia and has a deep interest in Javanese philosophy that lies as a foundation to each of his works. Singapore Art Museum, Fukuoka Contemporary Art Museum, National Gallery of Victoria, Queensland Art Gallery and several other museums have collected his works.
Artist Statement
My artworks are inspired by my “reading” of both books and life’s realities and the hope of changing people’s lives positively. The knowledge I gain therefore permits me to analyze personal issues against the background of community and societal need. Art is an educational tool created for and inspired by the people; art as a whole represents a documentation of current forces through the study of which a better future might be conceived.
Art is an integral part of human life; it is the source of sustenance for the growth of a more harmonious and balanced world. Art fosters understanding and tolerance among humankind. Art is the sustenance of humankind and it is a message that I want to share through my works.
SELECTED WORKS
