Sociopolitical artists in Yogyakarta have a long history of objection to governmental suppression in Indonesia. Yogyakarta has been Indonesia's 'city with a social conscience' and a continuous focal point for artists from all over Indonesia, particularly those with a sociopolitical agenda. This thesis argues that the work and motives of the most influential Yogyakarta sociopolitical artists are essentially tragicomic in character. An analysis of the work and statements of artists who protested against the oppression and corruption under Suharto's New Order regime from 1966 to 1998 reveals a strong vein of protest art, disguised to avoid government reprisals. In the years immediately following Suharto's forced resignation in 1998 artists more boldly showed criticism of both previous and present corruption, collusion and nepotism. Examples of this work were more frequently and openly exhibited in Indonesia and overseas as the potential for government reprisals diminished.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/284067 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Wraith, Barrie Hamilton |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | EN-AUS |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | Copyright Barrie Wraith 2006 |
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