Jakarta, IO – Daniel Kho, the surrealist artist from Klaten, Central Java, once again invites the public to explore the colors of humanity through a solo exhibition titled Castaneda Factor at Jaga Gallery which will run until August 15.
When the Independent Observer visited on Saturday (15/7), there were hundreds of two- and three-dimensional works ranging from paintings, sculptures to mixed media in the brightly-lit and the special “glow in the dark” areas. .
Daniel showcases various forms, from unusual human figures, animals with human characteristics like in cartoons, space creatures, robots and even creatures whose identity is anybody’s guess.
In his eyes, humans are problematic creatures, so he creates his own figures, ethno-extraterrestrial-pop hybrid creatures such as mythological beasts, gods, shadow puppets, and cartoon characters in the chaotic human world.
“It’s time for a hybrid figure to immediately appear to “save the world,” said Daniel.
In “Animal Parade”, which measures 30×50 cm and consists of 70 panels of paintings, Daniel depicts dozens of hybrid figures of mythological creatures painted in colorful colors on dark background. Interestingly, the medium for this painting is sand acrylic on canvas.
“Life was in the sea for the first time. Coming out to land, of course, living things had to pass through the sand. Apart from that, I’m also bored with the flat media of painting. It isn’t satisfying for me,” explained Daniel.
In “La Wet 99”, which measures 150×130 cm and painted using Molotow acrylic on canvas, he portrayed a transformation of alien-like figure with a big head, which glows like neon in a dark room.
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According to him, the concept of “glow in the dark” is meant as a return to oneself. “Without electricity, we are actually surrounded by darkness in life,” he said.
During the exhibition, avid painting collectors can buy Daniel’s paintings offered from Rp25 million to Rp150 million. (Aini Tartinia)