Syaura Qotrunadha | Indonesia
TRIPTYCH
Video Art Trilogy & Installations
(2019 - ?)
Keywords: Future, Cycle, Technology, Genetic Adaptation, Migration, Humanity, Beliefs, Shifting, Reflection, History, Memories, Negotiations, Knowledge Reproduction,
Racial Science, Body & Land Acquisitions, Presence, Paradox,
Irrational Expectations, Inferiority Complex, Transitions
Between 2019 and 2025, I developed a video art trilogy exploring Indonesia's education system and societal beliefs shaped by colonial history, land acquisition, and visions of the future. The project also examines water as a key element in technological advancement and foreign involvements in processing Indonesia's natural resources. Each video presents a different time perspective while interweaving a counter-narrative on colonial influence. They address Dutch scholars critiques of racial anthropology, the lingering effects of colonialism on media consumption and industrial development manifesting in the paradox of both inferiority and superiority complexes among people's mindset, and a futuristic exploration of human-technology relationships. Using three distinct video formats, this project reactivates historical archives in contemporary art making, deconstructs the formal image of national identity through language and loanwords, and examines how post-colonial nations, such as Indonesia, repurpose modern technologies and materials.
The works are presented as video collages that merge historical images and footage with microscopic, drone, and medium shots, arranged into three distinct series. This project emphasises a performative style through the integration of text and character voice overs. Archival footage is combined with newly shot film material including time-lapse sequences, text graphics, animations, live painting, and ASMR sound recordings to create a rich visual and auditory narrative. The voice overs are supertitled in Indonesian, with select loanwords rendered in their original languages and scripts (Sanskrit, Arabic, English, and Dutch) and accompanied by English subtitles for clarity among non-Indonesian speakers.
For the final presentation, the installation features dual-channel 4K videos alongside single-channel videos in 1080p and 720p. Complementing the video work are newly created artifacts such as sculptures and soil paintings, produced specifically for this project. Together, these diverse elements form a layered narrative that bridges historical and contemporary practices, inviting viewers to engage with a dialogue that challenges traditional media boundaries while exploring the interplay between technology, culture, and sensory experience.
Photo Credits: Takahashi Kenji Courtesy of Tokyo Arts and Space
Photo Credits: Takahashi Kenji Courtesy of Tokyo Arts and Space
Photo Credits: Takahashi Kenji Courtesy of Tokyo Arts and Space
Photo Credits: Takahashi Kenji Courtesy of Tokyo Arts and Space
Exhibitions:
1. "Open Site 10: TRIPTYCH"
22nd November - 21st December 2025
Tokyo Arts and Space HONGO, Tokyo, Japan
Collaborators for exhibition in Tokyo:
A. Semali, Azizi Al Majid, Gustar Brata, Rizki Lazuardi,
LOKUS Foundation, Rakarsa Foundation
Interpreter for Opening Talk & Artist Event:
Satoshi Ikeda & Lichuan Deng (Tow)
“The Fattest Land at the Fair”
Role: Producer, Writer, Performer, Voice Over
Single-Channel Video, 1080p
12:13 mins
Yogyakarta
2020
Full video link: by e-mail request
Racial anthropology is a branch of anthropology that was widely practiced from the mid-19th century by Europeans in colonised countries. In this practice, humans were measured and classified like plants, sometimes even exhumed from graves and sent to museums. This activity was not only carried out without consent from one side but also involved various forms of negotiation between anthropologists and local residents.
Over time, this field of study was applied in medical research and fashion, and came to be regarded as a branch of systemic racism, ultimately hindering its development in colonised countries. However, the impact of these practices can still be felt among local communities today, through persistent ethnic, racial, and religious discrimination in everyday life.
What must be questioned is this: is what we believe to be purity or native personal identity truly our authentic self?
Or perhaps what we have long considered wrong or backward might actually hold lessons about who we are?
Writer, Graphics & Archives
Syaura Qotrunadha
Voice Over
baBAM, Syaura Qotrunadha, Timothy Satyaabieza
Camera & Editor
Scoring
Live Painting
This work was commissioned by SAM Fund for Art and Ecology in 2020 as part of the Karya Normal Baru programme, organised by Biennale Jogja, Jakarta Biennale, and Makassar Biennale.
Group Shows & Screenings:
1. "Melihat di Balik Wajah Ono Niha"
20th November 2024 - TBA
Museum Pusaka Nias, Nias, Indonesia
2. "Circle in the Square"
22nd-28th May 2023
No Format Gallery, London, UK
3. "10x10: ME Culture/WE Society"
6th-15th October 2021
KRF10x10 Official Web & Youtube, Online Screening
4. "Julius Bär Next Generation Art Prize"
30th April - June 2021
Singapore Art Club & Julius Bär, Virtual Exhibition
5. "Pause, Rewind, Forward#2"
19th-31st January 2021
Kiniko Art Management, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
6. "Cur(e)ating the Earth, Shifting the Centre"
Open link for public on August-November 2020
Karya Normal Baru, Online Exhibition
“Astronot, Ruang Keluarga,
dan Isi Dompet Warga Antah Berantah”
Role: Producer, Writer, Performer, Voice Over
Single-Channel Video, 720p
11:50 mins
Yogyakarta
2020
Full video link: by e-mail request
The family sphere is the starting point where humans grow, learn about themselves, and come to know the environment in which they live. In today’s period of transition, it is not uncommon to see recurring patterns of problems: domestic violence, discrimination based on religion, race, and economic status, and regret over life choices in old age.
It is undeniable that being in an in-between position is difficult—one that can leave us feeling directionless and lost. We, who live in the 21st century, carry the memories and bodies of the past while facing a present and future that differ greatly from what came before.
But are the memories and bodies we carry truly our own?
Writer, Graphics & Voice Over
Syaura Qotrunadha
Camera & Editor
Audio Designer
Group Shows & Screenings:
1. "RWD Fest 2024: Gerak Gerik"
16-20th November 2024
Fragment Project, Bandung, Indonesia
2. "Circle in the Square"
22nd - 28th May 2023
No Format Gallery, London, UK
3. "Indonesian Young Artists (IYA!):
Redefining the Indonesian Aesthetic"
14th April - 7th May 2023
Gajah Gallery, Singapore, Singapore
4. "Upwind Downtempo:
On Sabbaticals and Discoveries"
November - December 2021
Gajah Gallery (Yogya Art Lab), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
5. "MANIFESTO VII Pandemi"
August - September 2020
National Gallery of Indonesia, Online Exhibition
“Fluidity of Future Machines”
Role: Producer, Director, Writer, Camera, Graphics
2-Channel Video, 4K
13:03 mins
Bandung & Yogyakarta
2021
Full preview video link: here
Fluidity of the Future Machines is a two-channel video that explores the evolution of human-made technology over time and its relationship with water distribution for living beings. Narrated by an elderly male figure, the piece invites viewers to reconsider the relevance of technology, materials, and everyday tools in relation to the human body and the surrounding natural environment. Through rarely seen microscopic visuals, the work reveals hidden elements that exist all around us yet remain invisible to the naked eye.
Writer, Graphics, & Microscopic Footage
Syaura Qotrunadha
Voice Over
Armand Perdana & Syaura Qotrunadha
Drone, Camera & Editor
Scoring
Foley
Adhiwinanto Semali, Michael Sadena Dibyantoro, Timothy Satyaabieza
Motion
Bagas Oktariyan & Muhammad Akbar
Thanks to
Rachmawati Adelysina, Hengga Tiyasa, Ibrahim Soetomo, Natasha Sidharta, Melati Suryodarmo, LOKUS Seni dan Sains, Ruang MES 56, Ferry Gelluny, Dr. Maesa Ranggawati Kusnandar, Erwin Windu Pranata, Nuri Fatima, Azizi Al Majid, Dimas Merapi, Yohanes Satriadi (Jko), Lintang Radittya (kenalirangkaipakai), Aqi Singgih, Redot Ebe, Arum Tresnaningtyas, Mei Homma, Anastasia Sussy, Nesia Amarasthi, Arsita Iswardhani, Dian Suci Rahmawati, Venti Wijayanti, Annisa Hendrato, Angela Hutagaol, Amanda Banu Pertiwi.
This work was commissioned by Hyundai Motor Group in collaboration with Eyebeam NYC, as part of the 4th VH Award programme during Covid-19 Pandemic in 2021.
Group Shows & Screenings:
1. "Sandbox"
2nd-3rd August 2023
GSA Students' Association, Glasgow, Scotland.
2. "Circle in the Square"
22nd-28th May 2023
No Format Gallery, London, UK
3. "4th VH Award"
10th Sept - 13th Nov 2022
Museum MACAN, Jakarta, Indonesia
4. "Ars Electronica Festival 2022"
7-11th Sept 2022
Deep Space 8k Ars Electronica Linz, Linz, Austria