Reading Amenk: The Grotesque Aesthetics of Reality

Lingga Agung

doi:10.24036/humanus.v23i1.125448

Reading Amenk: The Grotesque Aesthetics of Reality

Lingga Agung⁽¹⁾,
(1) Universitas Telkom

Indonesia

Corresponding Author
Copyright (c) 2024 Lingga Agung

DOI : https://doi.org/10.24036/humanus.v23i1.125448

Abstract

In contemporary art, aesthetics serves as a medium for conveying complex societal and cultural messages. One artist who has masterfully harnessed this power is Mufti Priyanka (Amenk). His body of work is characterized by a unique and intriguing “grotesque aesthetics” that delves into various dimensions of everyday life. Through his art, Amenk provokes profound inquiries into the intricacies of our social realities. This research is dedicated to unraveling the aesthetics intricately woven into Amenk’s artworks, which seemingly offer genuine insights into the collective consciousness of a society grappling with the complexities of social norms and cultural identity. This study adopts a qualitative approach, examining Amenk’s diverse portfolio, encompassing paintings and graphics. Anchored in the framework of Derrida’s Deconstruction theory, this approach involves a textual analysis, dissecting the conceptual distinctions that form the foundation of the text. By unveiling the inconsistencies and paradoxes inherent in the utilization of these concepts, the research sheds light on the intricate tapestry of Amenk’s art. Ultimately, Amenk’s body of work represents more than an exploration of cultural significance; it stands as a bold challenge to established truths. Through his art, Amenk encourages viewers to actively engage with the intricacies of society and culture.

Keywords

aesthetics, deconstruction, contemporary art, Amenk

References

Bastari, R. P., Resmadi, I., & Lukito, W. (2023). The Creative Process of Two Indonesian NFT Artists from the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory. Bahasa Dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya, 51 (2): 193–209.

Chernyshevsky, N. G. (2005). Hubungan Estetika Dengan Realitas. Bandung: Ultimus.

Chin-Yi, C. (2016). On Derrida’s Method. International Journal of Research 3 (01): 30–42.

Dumbadze, A. B & Suzanne, P. H. (2023). Contemporary Art: 1989 to the Present, 493.

Gumilar, G. (2023). Subverted Narrative: On Bandung Civic Identity within Mufti Priyanka’s Monography. Sustainable Development in Creative Industries: Embracing Digital Culture for Humanities, April, 208–13.

Higgs, J. (2015). Stranger than We Can Imagine: Making Sense of the Twentieth Century.

Iafelice, M. E. (2017). Re/Presenting Artful Pedagogy: Relational Aesthetics in Early Childhood Contemporary Art Experiences. Journal of Childhood Studies 41 (4): 4.

Ismail, I & Jusilin, H. (2020). Visual Dalam Konteks Gejala Sosial di Malaysia: Interpretasi Simbolik Pada Karya Catan Fawwaz Sukri: Visual Art in The Context Of Social Problems In Malaysia. Jurnal Gendang Alam (GA).

Jawad, S & Nadeem, A. (2021). An Application of the Theory of Deconstruction by Derrida: JRSP, Vol. 58, No 3 (July-Sept 2021).

Lewis, S. (2015). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Health Promotion Practice 16 (4): 473–75.

Li, X. (2016). Study on Aesthetic Institution and Contemporary Aesthetic Criticism Dimension. Journal of Literature and Art Studies 6 (12).

Muth, C, Jochen B, & Claus C. C. (2020). I like How It Looks but It Is Not Beautiful: Sensory Appeal beyond Beauty. Poetics 79 (April).

Peacocke, A. (2023). Aesthetic Experience.

Prasetyo, A. F. (2017). Punk and the City: A History of Punk in Bandung. Punk &Amp; Post-Punk 6 (2): 189–211.

Rocca, A. V. (2016). Derrida: Deconstrucción, “différence” y Diseminación. Una Historia de Parásitos, Huellas y Espectros. Nómadas: Critical Journal of Social and Juridical Sciences 48 (2).

Sarup, M. (2011). Panduan Pengantar Untuk Memahami Postrukturalisme Dan Posmodernisme. Yogyakarta: Jalasutra.

Stallabrass, J. (2020). Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introduction.

Suryajaya, M. (2016). Sejarah Estetika: Era Klasik Sampai Kontemporere. Jakarta: Gang Kabel & Indie Book Corner.

Valtakoski, A. (2020). The Evolution and Impact of Qualitative Research in Journal of Services Marketing. Journal of Services Marketing 34 (1): 8–23.

Yuniarto, B. Kolbi, D. R. Marliani, R. Mamlakah, T. (2022). Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Dukun Dalam Pandangan Islam. Jurnal Sosial Dan Sains 2 (11): 1160–69.