(Un)certain Behavior: Eko Bintang’s Solo Exhibition

Our identity is our very own ‘culture’, shaped through various perceptions of us. Yet, it’s impossible to accurately predict what our identity will become over time, creating uncertainty in who or what we actually are. This theme of uncertainty in our self identity is what is explored in Eko Bintang’s current solo exhibition, (Un)certain Behavior, as it presents us with new ways of seeing our identity.

Showing eleven acrylic paintings, a sculpture, and six drawings, one of the most fascinating part of this exhibition is the four paintings shown in the first section of it. These paintings show human figures dressed in animal costumes–rabbits, dogs, and other animals, complete with their fake ears and tails. According to Srisasanti Gallery, these paintings symbolize how humans call each other animal names as a derogatory term–yet when these animals are regarded as pets, they are also seen as symbols of innocence, creating a paradoxical view.

Another paradox in the image lies in their costumes. Costumes conceal the appearance of its wearer, showing only the parts they let others see. This gives them the capability to control other people’s perceptions of them, while they disguise their true nature. Despite that however, there’s one thing in common for all of us. Under all our layers of personality, there’s always something animal. Through these artworks, Bintang has shown that there’s beauty in confusion; this tension between what is real, and what isn’t, the certainty and uncertainty that we brought upon ourselves. 

As for the second section of his exhibition, limbs such as arms and legs were highlighted and shown to be entangled among the body of their owner in several paintings. While such a position looked uncomfortable, the expressions of the figures only showed contentment amidst their struggle–implying acceptance, comfort, or even reliance on the chaos. This aims to express how some problems have clear solutions, yet people overcomplicate it and hesitate to solve them. It also reflects Bintang’s experiences in the creative industry, as he admits to have gone over that process of overcomplication.

Another fascinating artwork from this section is Bintang’s air dry clay sculpture, titled ‘Form Studies : Problem Solving – Fig. 03’. This sculpture aims to convey the message that we deny solving our problems unconsciously until it becomes a part of us–showing one hand attempting to shield a head, which was resting peacefully on another hand. These artworks made us question our compliance with our own issues as we overlook what could’ve been solved.

As we go further in the exhibition, we will go through the third section, which offers a more optimistic way of looking at our imperfections, as they may sometimes present us with opportunities. And as the fourth and final section, Bintang shows how an identity can turn into multiple personas when it undergoes changes.

As a whole, this exhibition features a contemplation and exploration regarding our identity, featuring figures of humans as the subject of this musing while they also act as a representation of its viewers. And while there is no sure answer for this contemplation, these art forms are a statement that there’s beauty in embracing uncertainty and change. This exhibition is also vital in introducing Bintang’s newest ways of creation as he explored other mediums of art. However, some things remain the same, as each painting was presented in Eko Bintang’s signature style that evokes feelings of nostalgia while it tells an introspective story.

If you wish to visit, the (Un)certain Behavior exhibition is open from Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 – 19:00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, 12:00 – 20:00 p.m. at Tirtodipuran Link Building A, Yogyakarta, ending only on February 9th, 2025. It’s the best choice to let your mind wander free as you observe a new way of seeing our identities.