Jemana Murti, Future Relic: Desecration #1, 2023

3D printed PETG, iron particles, and acrylic
22 x 22 x 56.5 cm
Condition: Very good
Certificate of Authenticity available

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Jemana Murti (Indonesian, b. 1997), drawing inspiration from an original Balinese wooden sculpture, presents a precise 1:1 scaled representation of the form—only to disrupt it. By deliberately subtracting from the sculpture, Murti transforms a symbol of cultural continuity into a striking visual and conceptual statement on loss. This act of removal is not mere abstraction, but a deliberate challenge to our assumptions about preservation, prompting reflection on the silent erosion of cultural heritage in the face of indifference and complacency.

Murti’s artistic practice is deeply informed by his interest in technology and his lived experiences as a Balinese. His work explores the intersection of tradition and modernity, reflecting on the religious and cultural landscapes of Bali through a diverse range of media, including wall pieces, sculptures, and large-scale installations. The Future Relic: Desecration series interrogates the tension between reverence for tradition and the everyday behaviours that undermine it. Murti’s work highlights the contradictions embedded in contemporary life—where cultural preservation is often professed yet subtly compromised. As viewers engage with this piece, they are invited to consider the fragile balance between honouring heritage and embracing progress. Murti’s thoughtful intervention aligns with the gallery’s mission to present art that confronts conventions, provokes dialogue, and encourages deeper awareness of the forces shaping our collective identity.

Acquired from Nonfrasa Gallery, Bali, Indonesia

Exhibited 

Bali, Nonfrasa Gallery, “Power” Group Exhibition, 16-18 November 2023

(Photographed in May 2025)