Bagus Pandega: Exploring the Intersections of Art, Technology, and Culture
Born in 1985 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Bagus Pandega is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Bandung, Indonesia. Primarily known for his innovative installations, Pandega challenges conventional relationships between objects and their viewers, inviting them to interact with his works in dynamic and unexpected ways.
Pandega's artistic practice revolves around assembling various electronic systems as 'modules' and incorporating objects such as voice recorders, cassette and record players, lamps, and electronic circuit boards into his creations. Through the interaction of movement, sound, and light, his artworks come to life, offering immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between art and technology.
He graduated from the Bandung Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) in 2008, specializing in sculpture.
ARTWORKS
Pandega's artworks often explore themes of connectivity, cultural exchange, and the interplay between nature and technology. He frequently incorporates natural materials and everyday objects into his installations, creating multi-sensory environments that invite viewers to reflect on their relationship with the world around them.
One of his notable works, "A Diasporic Mythology," examines the historical narratives and circulation of instruments, particularly Indonesian and Japanese string instruments. By intertwining these cultural symbols with elements of nature and technology, Pandega creates a captivating narrative that speaks to the complexities of migration, influence, and hybridity. The incorporation of natural materials, such as plants and flowers, adds another layer of meaning to Pandega's work. Not only do they contribute to the narrative of the installation, but they also introduce a sense of organic energy and interconnectedness. The use of MIDI sprouts to convert biodata from plants into music further blurs the boundaries between the natural and the technological, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.
EXHIBITIONS
Pandega's work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, including solo shows such as "A Pervasive Rhythm" at Yamamoto Gendai, Tokyo, Japan (2018), "Random Black" at ROH Projects, Jakarta, Indonesia (2016), and "A Monument That Tells Anything" at Cemeti Art House, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2015).
He has also participated in group exhibitions such as Frieze Seoul with ROH, Seoul, South Korea (2022); WAGIWAGI at documenta fifteen, Hübner areal, Kassel, Germany (2022); and "ArtJog MMXIX: Common Space" at Jogja National Museum, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2019), among others.
Pandega's collaborative practice with artists like Kei Imazu has been showcased in prominent art fairs and events, including Art Basel Hong Kong, Paris Internationale, and the Asia Pacific Triennial at QAGOMA, Brisbane, Australia.