FX Harsono, Bon Appetit, 2008 (Contemporary)

FX Harsono, Bon Appetit, 2008, Installation, Dimension Varies

One of the role of art is to express the socio-political situations of the times. Political art tends not to be pretty given the emphasis on oppression and violence. Very few artist are of the stature of say Picasso to be able to execute a beautiful painting of an ugly disposition.

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SAM is currently showing the works of FX Harsono and I attended the opening reception. I initially thought "oh another one of those forgettable exhibitions" (as South East Asian political art tends to be, at least for me). But I have to say I was quite impressed with Harsono's work. Almost all the installations were haunting and poignant as the above picture shows. Many of Harsono's creations are in response to the oppresive Suharto's regime towards the chinese community.

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In this work, Harsono seems to be suggesting that in the bid to satisfy the whimsical appetite of the political elites, the beautiful dreams of the delicate and vulnerable are prevented from taking flight. Harsono is also reminding us not to be decieved by the refined practices of the elites. It is more important to look at what they are eating.