The Back Room is proud to announce our latest collaborative effort, a solo exhibition of works by Indonesian printmaker AGUGN, in collaboration with Kohesi Initatives (JOG) and Plus Six Zero, APW Bangsar (KL). Titled Human Supremacy, the exhibition will re-present a selection of works by the distinguished artist that was previously shown at Kohesi Initiatives’ space at the Tirtodipuran Link Building A in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in early 2023. The Kuala Lumpur iteration of the exhibition will take place in the APW (A Place Where) food and retail hub in Bangsar, in a new space called Plus Six Zero. It will be the first exhibition to launch this exciting new space for art and exhibitions.

Agung Prabowo, better known by his artist name AGUGN, uses the printmaking technique of reduction linocut to convey themes related to his surroundings and present his reflections on life. The complexity of his technique and drawing style has created a highly recognisable aesthetic that has remained consistent over the years, both in terms of creation and medium. Reduction linocut printing is an elaborate technique of printing in which each colour layer is progressively carved into the same lino block. 

In this solo exhibition, AGUGN presents a critical perspective on the roles that humanity plays in nature’s various ecosystems, particularly those of animals. Being a vegan himself, he considers veganism a personal ideology of being opposed to the mass exploitation of animals by humans for food products that happens all over the world and all throughout human history. Looking back upon the history of human civilisation, animals are often regarded as mere meat to be used, a lesser existence born to serve humans, who consider themselves on a higher level. This inequity in the form of supremacy that human beings have over other living beings is the subject of Human Supremacy. The works are presented as single, framed prints on hand-made abaca paper and also as large, multi-print installations.

Opening reception: Saturday, 30 September, from 4pm onwards at Plus Six Zero, APW Bangsar

About the Artist

Agung Prabowo (b. 1985, Bandung), who goes by the artist name AGUGN, is an Indonesian printmaking artist who is known for his distinct style of illustration and his proficiency with linocut reduction printing. Having graduated from the Bandung Institute of Technology (Institut Teknologi Bandung), AGUGN is currently based in Bali. His themes include fear, nature, ancient Indonesian arts, and challenging anthropocentric perspectives. His recent works have focused on human exploitation of animals in the meat industry. 

His debut solo exhibition was Natural Mystic in Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Bali, awarded to him for winning the first prize of the Triennale Seni Grafis Indonesia IV in 2012. This was followed by Unguarded Guards at Jogja Contemporary in 2015; AGUGN: Printing Live in the Cosmos at Vinyl on Vinyl, Manila, in 2016; Molasses at Mizuma Gallery, Singapore, in 2017; and Human Supremacy at the Tirtodipuran Link Building A by Kohesi Initatives, Yogyakarta, in early 2023. He has also shown at the Machida City Museum of Graphic Art, Tokyo (2020) after his artist residency there in 2019; at Darren Knights Gallery, Sydney (2019); International Print Centre, New York (2018); and Institut des Cultures d’Islam, Paris (2018). His art was also used for the cover of the music album Om by Mooner in 2019. 

INSTALLATION SHOTS

Photos courtesy of Kenta Chai. Captured on opening night, September 30th, 2023.

SELECTED ARTWORKS

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