Share
Add fave
Chat with us on WhatsApp
About the artwork
Ships function as a mode of transportations but symbolically and philosophically can hold many more meanings. In literature, the ship is often seen as a symbol of love, family, company and even the State. Where the ship sails, be it in the deep oceans or on shallow waterways, have rich implications. By representing individuals who are building the ship in different colored attires, the artist strives to convey the message that despite our differences in attributes, history or social background, we are still able to create harmony. As each individual is able to position themselves in specific roles and tasks, they are able to respect one another and achieve a common goal and a better outcome.
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.