Pupuk DP, Yogyakarta, 1996

Oil on canvas
67 x 82 cm, 92 x 106 x 9 cm (framed)
Condition: Good, with mould visible on acrylic panel of the frame.

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Pupuk DP (Indonesian, b. 1964) is a contemporary artist based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He studied at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts and first trained in printmaking before turning to painting as his primary mode of expression. Over the decades, he has become a respected figure in the Indonesian art scene, with a practice that reflects both personal introspection and cultural commentary.

Pupuk’s work is known for its surreal, dreamlike quality—figures often appear distorted or suspended in ambiguous spaces, evoking themes of vulnerability, chaos, and transformation. Drawing from mythology, social tensions, and spiritual motifs, his compositions are rich with metaphor, yet remain open to interpretation. His use of expressive brushwork and layered imagery lends a visceral quality to the work, inviting close engagement.

Though deeply rooted in his local context, Pupuk’s practice speaks to broader questions of identity, humanity, and morality. His ability to balance the poetic with the political makes his work especially resonant. Whether on canvas or paper, his art reflects a world in flux—one that asks the viewer not only to look, but to reflect.

Framed by Q Framing.

(Photographed in February 2025)