Probing Agus Suwage’s creative journey, a series of works have been established, exercised, and reinterpreted through numerous iterations. Agus Suwage is not only an artist with a broad spectrum of aspirations and appreciations but also one who stands on the principle of complex self-discovery. His iterative process often appropriates elements from the external world, yet just as frequently, it appropriates himself and his own works. His works do not always stand alone; they often reappear as new discoveries from past creations while simultaneously also inspiring—and perhaps lending those new discoveries (read: images) to—Agus Suwage’s future works. This diligent process of iteration may revolve around the question of who and what the “self” truly is within the vanity of physical existence. At the same time, the artist reexamines the meaning of appropriation within the context of collective consciousness in an interconnected universe.
Like a cycle, the universe of Agus Suwage’s works will always revolve, continually giving birth to another, new cycle. In this continuous reiteration, the beginning and the end become indistinguishable—and ultimately, insignificant. A marks Agus Suwage’s latest pursuit, delving into the concept of roots within himself and his artistry. What is the meaning of roots within his constellation of cycles? Could it be that the cycle itself is the root of the artist’s creative path?
A is presented as the bedrock of Agus Suwage’s many kinds of cycles. A can represent the first letter of his name, as well as the first letter of the alphabet. It also refers to the standard tuning pitch in Western music, set at 440 Hz—a discipline that Agus Suwage deeply appreciates and frequently integrates into his artistic expressions. A is the beginning, A is the foundation—thus, A can be understood as both the root and the gateway that unveils layers of meaning within Agus Suwage’s aspirations.
Paintings, watercolor drawings, sculptures, found objects, and sound installation manifest Agus Suwage’s ingenuity in deconstructing and reassembling his ideas. Much like a scientist who repeatedly iterates their experiments to find a scientific solution, Agus Suwage persistently rethinks and revisits the ideas he has created and exhibited.
In Eros Kai Thanatos/Vanitas, presented through various media, Agus Suwage continues his observation of the interplay between a love for life and the inevitability of death—an enduring tension that humanity grapples with throughout existence. This work serves as a bridge to understanding the profound and relentless creative drive that has fueled Agus Suwage for years.
Meanwhile, Nyanyian Duniawi offers another reflection of how Agus Suwage perceives life on the horizon between heaven and hell on earth. The two realms are separated by an invisible, often unnoticed, and eventually forgotten imaginary line. In line with the Tradition & Tension series, which highlights the encounter between contemporary life and the historical and cultural values within tradition, the two elements meet and assimilate—though at times, they attempt to negate or remain unrecognizable to one another.
Utilizing a variety of found objects combined with his signature three-dimensional approach, The Singer Not The Song subtly suggests that the images and objects composed do not necessarily represent the vulgar intention of his artistic ideas. Once again, Agus Suwage entices his audience to continuously peel away the symbolic layers of his iterative approach. Sound and music add another layer of complexity to understanding the spectrum of references he absorbs—ranging from classical music references, represented through a musical notation book, to the title itself, inspired by a song from The Rolling Stones.
A could also be interpreted as the first letter of the word art, a discipline Agus Suwage has dedicated himself to for years, making him intimately familiar with a wide range of visual references—one of which is reflected in Plesiran. Meanwhile, Ars Longa underscores his belief in art’s ability to address various socio-political issues by portraying figures as leaves on the tree of immortality. The latter work represents yet another attempt to illustrate an encounter between great figures from various fields, gathered in a realm that is both ideal and captivating.
A is an assembly of Agus Suwage’s works, orchestrated by the artist to engage in dialogue and improvisation with one another—like a concert filled with countless layers of his artistry. A celebrates both the creative process and Agus Suwage’s latest aesthetic reflections. A is a tribute to art, life, and his enduring creative tradition. A marks the celebration of the birth of Agus Suwage.
Happy birthday, Agus Suwage!
(Curatorial Essay for A, A Solo Exhibition by Agus Suwage, 12 April–3 May 2025, A+ Works of Art, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)