Muhamad ‘Ucup’ Yusuf creates art with the intention of contributing to a better life. He believes that art is a form of expression, documentation and education, through which a better future may be conceived. Yusuf’s work often narrates and comments on the realities of his surrounding - the Indonesian society. Exploring issues such as corruption, environmental damage, consumerism and social division, Yusuf creates his work through observation and with imagination.

Behind New World Order features a body of recent works, a development from the artist’s exploration of social issues. “The new world has come,” says the artist. “Some people are happy with that - it is like a big dream for a better future - but in reality, majority are silent, confused, and do not understand.” Change is executed by the government and catalyzed by capitalists, simultaneously exploiting resources in the old world for the making of the new world. The artist also states: “I look at nature like a big school and every person is a teacher, and I’m student of imagination, studying artwork and skill to express my dream, my question and my discomfort.” The exhibition is a study to understand the new world order; stories, situations and perspectives are combined with imagination from Yusuf’s daily life.

Following his first solo exhibition in Singapore 4 years ago, Muhamad ‘Ucup’ Yusuf presents a wide variety of his rich work including recent drawings, paintings and woodblock prints.

-Tomio Koyama Gallery Singapore

Image: © Muhamad "Ucup" Yusuf
Courtesy of the artist and Tomio Koyama Gallery Singapore