All About Symmetry
ALBERT YONATHAN SETYAWAN TAKES YOU ON A JOURNEY OF REPETITION WITH “VARIATIONS ON SYMMETRY”
There’s always something comforting about symmetry—an assurance, if you will, that things are right and in order. For
Albert Yonathan Setyawan, the perception of order and beauty when looking at something symmetrical reflects back on our physical existence, in which symmetrical order is inherent in our bodies. He believes that there is something more to symmetrical structure than just rigidity and sterility. In the decorative arts, symmetry and repetition that are facilitated through sequences of objects and images can bring about a meditative quality. That idea forms the title of “Variations on Symmetry”.
A little bit about the artist before we continue:
Albert Yonathan Setyawan graduated from the Bandung Institute of Technology with a Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics then moved to Kyoto to continue and train in contemporary ceramic art at Kyoto Seika University where he is a doctoral candidate. He has participated in several critically acclaimed group and solo exhibitions in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Italy and Japan. Now he lives and works between Kyoto and Tokyo.
Back to “Variations on Symmetry,” the exhibition consists of 12 new works composed of six ceramic pieces and six gouache drawings on paper.
Setyawan discovered ideas for his works at different times and has articulated them through different forms and mediums. Some of the works are based on the mandala concept—a pattern that radiates out and replicates itself from the center in radial symmetry.
Each ceramic piece by Setyawan was made by repeatedly casting one of two forms until a certain quantity is reached, so they can be arranged into a configuration or pattern according to a symmetrical order. The idea of repeating certain actions over and over again until eventually transcending the meaning of that action itself fascinates Setyawan, as seen in his works. Repeated objects or actions may suggest that nothing is changing, but with each series of repetitions, it becomes new and unique again. With ceramic at his medium, Setyawan not only traces the physical involvement of the body but also records his state of mind.
“Variations of Symmetry” from Mizuma Gallery is open for public at the Gillman Barracks, Singapore until December 15, 2019.