About the artwork
Adi Gunawan's bronze sculpture, "The Man From Tang," offers a captivating journey into a reimagined narrative, showcasing his remarkable craftsmanship and evocative artistic vision. The figures have almost lmost childlike expressions, whose full, rounded features are characteristic of Gunawan's exploration of challenging body norms. This piece exudes a gentle strength and timeless quality. Artistically, "The Man From Tang" transcends a mere depiction, hinting at themes of cultural heritage and the transmission of wisdom across generations, perhaps referencing historical journeys or mythical tales. The harmonious composition and the figures' quiet confidence evoke a sense of peaceful progress and enduring connection. Gunawan masterfully transforms heavy bronze into a work that feels light, fluid, and deeply resonant, encouraging contemplation on identity and shared human experience.
About the artist
Born in Yogyakarta in 1974, Adi Gunawan received his education at the Institut Seni Indonesia. He is a prominent Indonesian sculptor known for his distinctive and often playful and satirical bronze sculptures. In his symbolic sculptures, Adi invokes exploration of themes related to human behavior, social issues, and cultural traditions. He uses his cultural positioning as a tool to visualize motions, gestures, characters and expressions of various subjects that he sculpts. He often incorporates elements of Indonesian folklore and everyday life, giving his pieces a rich cultural context. Growing up in an Agrarian society, he depicts a lot of animals in his work. The symbiotic and mystical relationship between animals and humans is well expressed in his artworks.