Sometimes when observing recent trends in human behavior, nothing seems to make much sense; people slip back and forth across the boundaries of accepted moral principles and entrenched cultural codes. Eddy Sulistyo reflects all of this in his artwork titled "Confession". The figure of a human being, strong and very masculine in type wears a keris dagger at his waist. This depiction is complete with genitals - however there is something unusual about this figure as the male genitals have wings, and the shapes of huge female breasts appear to be attempting to break out from within. Further, the feet are placed above the neck as if they were the head, and the head is in the position of the feet. On the thigh of the right leg can be seen reflections of peaceful looking beautiful female faces, and, in contrast, on the left thigh there appear images of faces expressing distress and rebellion. Overall, the nature and spirit of the figure are feminine, but the figure appears to be male.

At first glance, Eddy seems to have created chaos within the space of the canvas. For example, the male genitals seem to be taking off with force having sprouted wings like those of a bird flying free without a care; and one set of genitals complete with a bottom seems to be intent on colliding with the figure of a female body with its legs extending downwards in the midst of bodies with taut muscles. Then, in the background are faint images of clouds that seems to ebb and flow like water, with koi fish leaping upward. As well, the blossoms of several water lilies without stems float about aimlessly as if they have nothing to anchor them. Within the Hindu and Buddhist teachings, the water lily is a sacred flower, and in this case Eddy uses it as a symbol of peace. Also in the deep background a faint pale but dark colored figure appears to be kneeling, his hands together, his face serious and calm but blank. In other words, awareness is dawning, but there is no indication of when it will arrive - an awareness of bodily form - and human awareness or an understanding of the existence which has been achieved.

Thus, Eddy carries us to a level of awareness through images of body parts that remain separate although there is an impetus for unity, and things still appear odd. The meaning of balance in life, the thin line between good and evil, right and wrong, man and woman, and between black and white and the reverse as well - none of which is sensed within the midst of change in which woman becomes man and man becomes woman.

A. Anzieb

Born on September 22, 1977 in Yogyakarta.
Studies at Indonesia Institute of The Arts (ISI), Yogyakarta (1996).

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2000 "Black and White", Mon Décor Gallery, Jakarta.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
1998 "Reflections of Age", Vredeberg Fortress Museum, Yogyakarta.
1999 Yogyakarta Arts Festival XI, Yogyakarta; "Toward Millenium III", Natour Garuda Hotel, Yogyakarta.
2000 Philip Morris Arts Award, National Gallery, Jakarta; "Two Cultures", Kuta Centre, Bali
2001 "Art-Show", Gelaran Budaya Art Centre, Yogyakarta; "On Woman", Mon Décor Gallery, Jakarta.
2002 "Diversity in Harmony", Sositet Building, Yogyakarta; "Drawing in The Wind", Gallery of Ancol, Jakarta.

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