Exhibition
Power

Artist
Jemana Murti

Written by
Krisna Sudharma

His critique highlights the uncertainties and risks associated with balancing cultural preservation and modern adaptations 

In “Future Relic: Glitch,” Murti reinterprets the ‘Bedogol’ which is traditionally seen as a gate temple guardian sculpture. This sculpture traditionally protected people inside the temple from negative supernatural influences during ceremonies. This work serves as a provocative comment, where he highlights the dangers of eroding cultural heritage in favor of simplifying culture to align with the rapid pace of modern society. It acknowledges the interplay between our tendency to protect our history while simultaneously seeking progress and convenience. The guardian symbol emerges as a metaphor for our paradoxical role in protecting and contributing to the erosion of cultural treasures.

The artwork centers around a symbolic “glitch,” which can be interpreted as the unintended outcome of our collective efforts to harmonize cultural preservation with the realities of socioeconomic pressures. This glitch is not simply a representation of the challenges we face in uniting the physical and digital realms, but a broader reflection on the gradual decline of traditional practices in the face of modern challenges.

“Future Relic: Glitch” illustrates this erosion through Murti’s creative distortions and deletions of ‘bedogol’ components. His critique highlights the uncertainties and risks associated with balancing cultural preservation and modern adaptations. The glitch serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences when we prioritize short-term gain over long-term understanding of our cultural heritage.

Murti’s removal of ‘bedogol’ from their original context emphasizes the importance of finding balance between the demands of the modern world and preserving the essence of tradition. His portrayal of the guardians as disjointed and fragmented invites viewers to consider the potential impact of decisions driven by current socioeconomic pressures on our cultural legacy.

“Future Relic: Glitch” is more than a feast to the eyes; it is Jemana Murti’s societal critique on the current narratives surrounding cultural heritage preservation. It urges us to confront the complex dynamics between tradition and innovation in an age driven by economic and social influences. His art compels us to reflect on upholding cultural authenticity amidst relentless progress. As socioeconomic factors often cloud our evaluation of ancestral artefacts, it is a call for reevaluating our approach, reminding us that our decisions can become a double-edged sword, bringing about both development and unforeseen loss.