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About the artwork
In this work by Vani, a man in a business suit crosses over a bridge created by the tips of two pens against a backdrop of a cityscape that is dotted by round green shapes. The scale of the pens depicted in the work is significant when compared to that of the man, highlighting how to Vani, it is the thoughts and plans of humans that have a significant impact on our world, rather than just humanity itself. The rigidity of the skyscrapers in the background is contrasted by the vibrancy of the round green forms, which denote nature. Vani’s complex and symbolic work, as well as its title, remind us that we reach new heights as a society when we are able to balance progress and modernisation with the preservation of our environment.
About the artist
Born in 1981 in Semarang, Indonesia, artist Vani Hidayatur Rahman is currently based in Jogjakarta. He has shown his works in various group exhibitions including ArtJog 2013: Maritime Culture, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta; Return to Home, International Union of Unified Ummah Cartoon Contest, Iran (2012); Manifesto, Indonesian National Gallery, Jakarta (2010). Vani has received a number of art awards including the Best Painting accolade at the 2012 Jakarta Art Awards and was a finalist at the 2008 Jakarta Art Awards.
Vani Hidayatur Rahman has made a name for himself with his distinctive and realistic style. With his highly complex paintings that are adorned with detailed embellishments, Vani imbues a strong concept and story into each piece and addresses pertinent political, social and environmental issues that span war to pollution. In his artwork entitled "Unity," Vani depicts a large ark - a motif that has been reiterated by other Indonesian painters such as Widayat and Amrus Natalya. However, Vani presents his own interpretation of the timber vessel by painting it in an unfinished stage of construction and glory - a group of workers on deck are still sawing, carrying wooden beams and measuring for dimensions. The flurry of activity is painted from a birds-eye view and aerial perspective, with the entire structure and frame visible - allowing the viewer to feel as if he or she is an omniscient being looking down from above.