Self Identity 3: Bayu Utomo Radjikin

Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Lang Kacang, 1991, Mixed Media

1. What about the sculpture (physical attributes) reflects the fact that the traditional culture is being abandoned?

Radjikin portrayed the warrior, with his head tossed back in defiance and his mouth open, like a battlecry for freedom and justice, perhaps demanding democracy from the government. This suggests the loss of tradition and culture as the people no longer have freedom.

The armour of the warrior is old and has holes in it, indicating that it does not protect the wearer very well, which symbolizes the loss of tradition, as the idea of a warrior, standing up for oneself, is lost.

2. Why is this work classified as Post-Modern?

This work is classified as Post-Modern as Radjikin’s sculpture criticizes society and reflects the fact that the traditional culture from Malaysia is being abandoned. Radjikin used his art to explore and undermine the way society imposes traditional hierarchies and cultural values and meanings.

3. Please DESCRIBE the artwork

An armless warrior is standing tall, with his chest stuck out, and his head lifted upwards and tossed back in defiance. He has on a traditional warrior’s headdress and there are three long feathers sticking out of the back of his coconut-husk head. His face is rather abstract, lacking any clearly defined facial features while his mouth is open, as if calling out. His knees are bent awkwardly at 90 degree angles, and are far apart. The metal armour he dons is hollow and has holes in it that form spiral patterns. There are metal chains are draped around his shoulders and at his legs. The overall colour of the sculpture is dull and brownish, except his face which is a bright orangey yellow.