A World Re-imagined by Patricia Piccinini

Jakarta art lovers have a remarkable opportunity to encounter the captivating world of Patricia Piccinini. The Australian artist's first major Indonesian survey exhibition, titled CARE, unfolds at Museum MACAN in West Jakarta until October 6th, 2024. Curated by Tobias Berger, CARE presents a stunning collection of over forty hyperrealistic sculptures, along with video installations and the awe-inspiring Celestial Field.

Piccinini's signature works are the life-size sculptures of fantastical creatures—chimaeras—that seamlessly blend human and animal elements. Crafted from a unique combination of silicone, fibreglass, and even human hair, these beings blur the lines between the natural and the artificial. Through these meticulously crafted forms, Piccinini challenges our understanding of embodiment and empathy.

CARE is not merely an exhibition of the fantastical; it goes deep into pressing issues surrounding ecology, biodiversity, and biotechnology. The sculptures prompt us to consider the future of co-existence between humans and other life forms, even in hybrid forms. The exhibition resonates particularly with Indonesia, a nation facing challenges with endangered species. By incorporating familiar elements, CARE fosters a connection with Indonesian culture and everyday life.

Visitors wander on a thought-provoking journey. Upon entering, The Bond, a sculpture of a mother cradling her unusual transgenic child, sets the tone. Further exploration reveals Kindred (2018), featuring an orangutan mother nurturing human-faced babies, and The Couple (2018), an installation depicting a couple living in a traditional Indonesian kampung house adorned with genuine objects from Museum MACAN staff. The final room culminates in the breathtaking Celestial Field, a mesmerising installation composed of thousands of delicate flowers.

CARE is an exhibition that tells more about boundaries. It is a call to question, contemplate, and connect with the world around us, both familiar and imagined. It is a journey that compels us to redefine our understanding of nature, foster empathy, and spark conversations about the future of our planet.