Global Identities 13

Eko Nugroho (b. 1977, Yogyakarta, Indonesia) is one of the most acclaimed Indonesian contemporary artists of the younger generation. This generation of artists came to maturity during the period of upheaval and reform that occurred in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the subsequent fall of the Soeharto regime and the transition to democracy in Indonesia. Grounded in both local traditions and global popular culture, Nugroho’s works are deeply engaged with the culture of his time, imbued with his critical yet oftentimes playful socio-political commentary. In 2000, Nugroho founded Daging Tumbuh, a collaborative zine that invites participation from non-artists. In addition to drawings and painting, he works in a variety of other media, including murals, sculpture, animation, and tapestry.

Nugroho has held numerous solo exhibitions at major institutions and galleries around the world; the latest ones include Cut The Mountain and Let It Fly, ROH, Jakarta, Indonesia (2023); Plastic Democracy, Arndt Art Agency, Berlin, Germany (2018); Semelah, Asia Society (special commission), New York, USA (2017). He has participated in prestigious international exhibitions, the most recent including Setouchi Triennale, Ibuki Island, Japan (2019); 10th Gwangju Biennale: Burning Down the House, Gwangju, South Korea (2014); The Global Contemporary, Art Worlds After 1989. ZKM | Center for Art and Media, Karlsruhe, Germany (2011); and the 10th Lyon Biennale: The Spectacle of the Everyday, Lyon, France (2009). Nugroho was also part of Sakti: The Indonesian Pavilion, 55th Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy (2013). His works are among the key collections of M+, Hong Kong; Singapore Art Museum, Singapore; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australia; National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; Asia Society Museum, New York, USA; Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Paris, France; Musée des Beaux-arts de Lyon, Lyon, France; among others.