Skip to content →

Crocheted Indonesian reefs (in Perth)

Indonesian artist Mulyana’s “coral islands” are equal parts celebration and warning.

They are on the walls and floors of The Goods Shed – FORM’s Exhibition Space, adjacent to Claremont Railway Station – until 3 pm on Sunday June 9.

“Bleached” coral on floor
“bleached”. Artwork by Mulyana. Photo by Doug Spencer.

The one problem with Mulyana’s “warning” reefs (those which depict dead or damaged corals) is that – in contrast to actual dead or dying corals – they are quite beautiful. Arguably, his most beautiful creations are not the riotously colourful ones that depict the healthiest corals.

“Bleached corals, on wall
“Bleached”, on wall. Artwork by Mulyana, Photo by Doug Spencer
“healthy” corals, on floor
“Healthy”, on floor. Artwork by Mulyana, photo by Doug Spencer

As an artist, Mulyana is very playful, yet serious; this duality is exemplified by Mogus, his alter ego “monster” whose full name means “octopus monster”. If you look carefully at most of Mulyana’s exhibitions, you will find multiple Moguses.

Dark “reef”, with “monster” on bottom right.
coral, mostly…a wee “monster” too. Copyright Doug Spencer

This interview will tell you more about Mulyana.

If you do not already know about FORM, click here to discover one of Australia’s more intriguing, active and truly community-focused Arts organisations.

“Reef” on floor
“Reef” on gallery floor. Artwork by Mulyana, photo by Doug Spencer

Published in photographs visual arts