“THE NEXT EPISODE”
A SOLO EXHIBITION BY MIKHAEL YESYURUN
“The Next Episode” in this exhibition is a new episode/ the next stage in both Mikhael’s artistic process and life. Mikhael Yesyurun was born in Pakem, Sleman, on the slopes of Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta on March 13, 1995. His childhood was accompanied by Japanese comics/manga like Naruto, Evangelion, Dragon Ball, etc. He also loved the cartoon movie Sponge Bob (especially the character Mr. Crab), Ultraman, and Power Ranger. Young Mikhael was known as a quiet child who tended to be introverted. This shyness to others still appears to this day, especially with people he just met.
Mikhael’s works are heavily influenced by his experiences as a child, as well as his activities during school (vocational high school) and college. For him, the figure of a masked figure (like a superhero) is a metaphor for himself. A masked hero who, without hesitation, acts to ‘fight’ against the damaged social conditions with his various moves.
The use of spray paint techniques and stencil ornament motifs is a manifestation of him as a former design student. Now, Mikhael appears more confident with deeper meaning in his work objects and materials. Mikhael’s current episode of work and life is essentially a gateway to future periods, ready to be navigated.
Curator,
Bambang ‘Toko’ Witjaksono
Rachel Gallery
June 15 – July 7, 2024
