Irwan Guntarto

Irwan is an Indonesian artist from Yogyakarta who is gaining popularity as a contemporary surrealist. His artworks are largely critiques of political venality, socio-economic issues, environmental abuse and cultural stereotypes. In his recent works, there is a signature use of animal iconography, that provides a cheerful façade to his works that often have critical undertones, while also harkening back to his environmentalism. He has also worked extensively on migrant workers issues, participating in group exhibitions to showcase his artworks on the topic.
He uses art as a democratic avenue for exploring his ingenuity. He takes inspiration from van Gogh and Jumaldi Alfi, a prominent Indonesian contemporary artist.
Fun Facts:
He is a proud member of an artist collective in Yogyakarta that does theatre performances in public spaces. Their plays sheds light on various social and political issues.
Exhibitions:
2020 "Ataraxia", MayinArt Show, Jogja Gallery, Yogyakarta

2020
• “If Walls Could Speak,” ION Art Gallery, Singapore
2019
• “If Walls Could Speak #1,” WTP Singapore
2018
• “Pecinta Unggas Kepak Kepak Sayap,” Taman Budaya, Yogyakata
• "Visit Sumenep," Graha Adipoday, Sumenep, Madura, Indonesia
• "Bebrayan," Taman Budaya, Yogyakarta
2017
• "Guyonmaton", Group Exhibition, Jaran Art Space, Yogyakarta
• International Artswitch Exhibition, Jogja Gallery, Yogyakarta
• Nandur Srawung #4, Taman Budaya, Yogyakarta
• "Togetherness,” Group Exhibition IKASSRI, Pendhapa Art Space, Yogyakarta
2016
• On the Spot Painting Group Exhibition, Taman Sari, Yogyakarta
• Yogyakarta Art Festival FKY, Ngasem Plaza, Yogyakarta
• “Totem,” Nandur Srawungm TBY, Yogyakarta
• “Unspoken Peace,” Pendhopo Art Space, Yogyakarta
• “Don’t Worry”, Group Exhibition, Upgrade Cafe Bar, Yogyakarta
• Charity exhibition for Aceh, Langit Art Space Yogyakarta
• “Handarbeni,” SMSR gallery, Yogyakarta
2015
• “Look in Borobudur,” Group Exhibition, Mettaloka Guest House and Artspace, Magelang
• “Nusantara Menjadi Jogja,” Taman Budaya Yogyakarta
• NandurSrawung #2, Batik Klasik, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta
• “WIWITAN,” Group Exhibition, Rumah Seni Sidoarum, Yogyakarta
• “Art ves Attack Sayap-sayap,” Taman Budaya, Yogyakarta

2014
• Nandur Srawung, Taman Budaya Yogyakata
• Pecinta unggas exhibition “Art ves Attack Sayap-sayap”, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta

2013
• “The Last Harvest,” Bantul, Yogyakarta
• “GO BACK GOJEG,” SMSR 50th Anniversary Exhibition, SMSR Gallery Yogyakarta
• Installation art exhibition, Sanggar Seniman Muda Sleman, Yogyakarta
2012
• Migrant Workers group exhibition TRITURA ARTSPIRASI BURUH
• “Migrant Workers Across Borders,” GALERI CIPTA II TIM, Jakarta
• “Dream Is on Your Hand,” Tembi Rumah Budaya, Yogyakarta
2011
• “Kampung Halaman,” Balai Sriwijaya, Yogyakarta
• Indonesia Kaleidoscope, Rumah Budaya Tri Tunggal, Yogyakarta
2010
• “Science and Artvocacy” Buruh Migran TRITURA group exhibition, Galangan VOC, Jakarta
2009
• “Seniku Tak Berhenti Lama”, Taman Budaya, Yogyakarta
• “Greetings Jakarta,” Group Exhibition, JNM Art Space Jakarta
• Art installation exhibition Sewon Terbuka #3, FSMR ISI Yogyakarta
• TRITURA ORASI, ARS LONGA [arslonga], Yogyakarta
2008
• “Tritura,” Galeri For Citizen Jogja Nasional Museum, Yogyakarta
• “Seniku Tak Berhenti Lama,” Taman Budaya, Yogyakarta