A̶C̶R̶Y̶L̶I̶C̶

ROH Projects is pleased to present Aditya Novali’s second solo exhibition with the gallery, ACRYLIC, featuring completely new works. this show begins a two-part series that will find a continuation that will be shown in a separate presentation during Art Basel Hong Kong 2017.

In ACRYLIC, Novali attempts to establish a distinct aesthetic lexicon/ vocabulary through visual markers prepared on transparent surfaces of different kinds, to be articulated more comprehensively in his following show. He questions and builds an understanding of how he communicates in this new work to deconstruct this format into more complex ideas. In a way, then, this exhibition explains the cognitive, fundamental “building blocks” to be developed further.

ACRYLIC manifested itself from very humble beginnings, but very interesting questions: What is the distinction between abstract and abstraction (and does such a distinction exist) within the context of Novali’s artistic practice? to what extent does representation play a role in proposing an answer to this? Stripping it down to the core, what is the essence of what he is trying to communicate? For those acquainted with Novali’s practice, it is often the case that he takes a certain idea into a diverse array of permutations and forms. How is he able to, simultaneously, limit the width of these explorations whilst engaging a greater sense of depth at the same time?

Born 1978, Surakarta, Indonesia
Lives and works in Surakarta, Indonesia

Aditya Novali works with a variety of materials, often first conceiving an idea and then finding the right medium to transcribe his vision. His background in architecture influences his sensitivity to structure, space, and knowledge of construction – key elements of his approach and aesthetic. Addressing themes such as boundaries, identities, materialism, and urban life, Novali’s work interacts with the viewer and transforms with each viewing.

Novali received his Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture from Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung, Indonesia, in 2002; and an IM Master of Conceptual Design from the Design Academy Eindhoven, The Netherlands, in 2008. Novali’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and institutions both locally and internationally. Selected solo exhibitions include Ends at Nova Contemporary, Bangkok, Thailand (2024); New Obsolescence: ADITYAVOVALI at ROH, Jakarta, Indonesia (2023); WHY at Tumurun Museum, Solo, Indonesia (2022); ME:DI:UM with ROH Projects at Liste Art Fair, Basel, Switzerland (2019); Significant Other at ShanghArt Gallery, Singapore (2019); Caprice with ROH Projects at Art Basel Hong Kong: Discoveries, Hong Kong (2018); and ACRYLIC at ROH Projects, Jakarta, Indonesia (2016). Notable group exhibitions are, among others, Taipei Biennial 2023: Small World at Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, Taiwan (2023); Dhaka Art Summit: বন্যা/Bonna at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2023); On Muzharul Islam: Surfacing Intention at Dhaka Art Summit: Seismic Movements, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2020); The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, QAGOMA, Brisbane, Australia (2018); DIASPORA: Exit, Exile, Exodus of Southeast Asia at MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, Chiang Mai, Thailand (2018); The 15th Asia Art Festival: Multiple Spectacle Art from Asia at Ningbo Art Museum, Ningbo, China (2017); Imaginary Synonym at Tokyo Wonder Site, Tokyo, Japan (2016); Aku Diponegoro at National Gallery of Indonesia, Indonesia (2015); Shout! Indonesian Contemporary Art at Museo d’Arte Contemporanea (MACRO), Italy (2014); Little Water at Dojima River Biennale, Osaka, Japan (2013); and South East Asia (SEA)+ Triennale at National Gallery of Indonesia, Indonesia (2013). Novali was nominated for Best Emerging Artist Using Installation at the 2016 Prudential Eye Awards in Singapore; Finalist in the 2010 Sovereign Asian Art Prize, and awarded Best Artwork in the Bandung Contemporary Art Awards (BaCAA) in the same year.

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