‘Reusable’ and ‘recycled’ are both terms circulating within different art processes. I had some conversations recently that echo my own musings about the passing of time and how they transform ‘objects’ in our lives. Some of my favourite things are weathered by time. I imagine they carry many memories and those memories are a vibrating energy that connects us in an intangible way. The object is the channel of those memories.
An old table that may have been in our bedrooms from childhood, with all its scratches and markings throughout the years. A favourite hat or winter scarf that has kept us warm in the most comforting way. These belonging seem to have personality about them. Perhaps we have imprinted something of ourselves on them.
When I think of Kaprus Jaya’s Drifting Creatures, I feel something a little more profoundly. Reminding me of the similar musings. But its not quite the same as your favourite hat or childhood furniture. Yet, when I see the artist working with driftwood, I know it is not a compulsion he has because he is a sculptor. Most of his creative works are expressed in paintings. And Kaprus Jaya’s paintings are powerful and intuitive. It is this nature of intuitive connection that draws him to the pieces of driftwood that he finds. Giving them a new life and a new purpose.
Artist Process
I see the process is more like an adoption. The shapes of these old and weathered pieces of wood that have drifted in the ocean and then washed to shore. In their curves, in their creases and their scratches Kaprus sees something that touches a feeling in his imagination.
The artist process is the same here as in his abstract paintings. He is not insisting his will on how something should be. He is looking to see what is already there. To uncover a part of Nature that is real and present but still unseen. The marriage between the hand of the artist and the raw force of energy that he senses in his world is at the core of Kaprus Jaya’s art. It is perhaps even more evident in Drifting Creatures. As the driftwood pieces that weathered years and have been a cast-away in the ocean alone. Is fated to reveal its inner face. A face that resonates and comes alive through the artists’ imagination.
Explore Kaprus’ Complete Portfolio
Explore the world of Kaprus’ abstract intuitive expressionism and en plein air watercolours through the complete portfolio.
- An Insightful Contradiction of Art and Law.. Made Kaek
The enchanting dimensionality in the art and life of Made Kaek. - Dancing Memories of Wayang Wong
Shared memories of the mysterious nature of a unique ancient tradition. The Wayang Wong of Pura Taman Pule. - Awaiting Hanuman
The Living Masks of Bali. Hanuman, a mask in progress. A look into the making of the mask of Hanuman and our love of a cherished symbol of devotion. - A Bridge To Self, Painting a Meditation
Explores the similar fates we have designated to works of art as we do ourselves. Perhaps the reason that art can be a healing path back to the self. - The Subtleties of Topeng Keras
Explores what lies within the character of ‘Topeng Keras’. One of the sacred Masks that appear in Topeng Babad. Amongst Bali’s oldest and most sacred Dance Mask Rituals. - Kala and the Guardians, a Timely Reflection
Reflecting on the nature of Time. Our relationship to the Earth and Spirit through a conceptual journey. A collaborative exhibition with the works of Dewi Dian, ManButur Suantara, Nyoman Handi and Kaprus Jaya.