Exotic Lembana

markers on a transparent plastic sheet

Exhibited on Babad Lembana 2023

A site-specific work, crafted atop the hills of Lembana, in Sumenep, Madura. Executed with precision using markers on transparent plastic layers, the painting overlays the serene rural landscape, a stark contrast to the urban cacophony.

This work challenges the urban gaze that often romanticizes rural life, reducing it to a commodified spectacle evident in the trend of tourist villages. It delves into the consequential class dynamics, where urbanity is idealized for its technological sophistication and financial dynamism, while villages are unjustly deemed antiquated. "Exotic Lembana Village" strives to enlighten rural communities about the complexities of urban challenges, fostering mutual understanding.

As a visual narrative, the painting invites urban observers to reflect on their approach to tourism, advocating for a mindful exploration of rural landscapes that respect and preserve the intrinsic rhythms of village life. Through the interplay of layered markers, this artwork serves as a bridge between contrasting worlds, urging viewers to transcend stereotypes and appreciate the symbiotic relationship between urbanity and rurality.