Born 1985, Jakarta, Indonesia
Lives and works in Bandung, Indonesia

Syaiful Aulia Garibaldi obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Printmaking Studio from the Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia in 2010 and his Master's Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia in 2023. Syaiful, fondly known as Tepu, previously pursued education in agronomy before pursuing experimental fine arts, where he applies his scientific background to create a conceptual foundation for his art. Tepu’s works in installation, painting, drawing, printmaking and video show a remarkably strong vision of art that collides with science in a graceful manner. His creation of an immersive environment was sparked by his interest in the networked and interconnected nature of ecologies, and the evocative power of microorganisms as symbols of death and decay, as well as life. Infusion between art and science transcends through Tepu’s work and gives way to a new gateway of knowledge, which is illuminated within his prints and installations.

A number of selected solo exhibitions are, among others, In Between at Mind Set Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan (2024); tumbuh at ROH, Jakarta, Indonesia (2022); Sudor at Silverlens Galleries, Manila, Philippines (2020); Lemniscate at Mind Set Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan (2018); Limaciform at Silverlens Galleries, Manila, Philippines (2017), Quiescent at ROH Projects, Jakarta (2016); and Abiogenesis: Terhah Landscape at Pearl Lam Galleries, Singapore (2014). Selected group exhibitions include Symbiosis at Jendela, Esplanade, Singapore (2024); Indonesia Bertutur: VISARALOKA at Apel Watoe Art Gallery, Borobudur, Magelang, Indonesia (2022); 1 at ROH, Jakarta, Indonesia (2022); Chromatic Network at Salihara Gallery, Jakarta, Indonesia (2020); And Life Goes On at Mind Set Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan (2020); Art Basel Hong Kong with ROH, Hong Kong (2019); Natural Capital (Modal Alam) at Europalia Indonesia, BOZAR, Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels, Belgium (2018); West Bund TALENT at West Bund Art Center in Shanghai, China (2017); Biennale Jogja XIV – EQUATOR #4 at Jogja National Museum, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2017); and SEA+ Triennale "ENCOUNTER: Art from Different Lands" at National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia (2016). Tepu is part of Lokus Foundation, an interdisciplinary research and workshop unit that works between the boundaries of art and science. Tepu has had residencies at Seishodo Yamashita THE ROOM, Kyoto, Japan in 2023; ABC Learning Town, Siheung, South Korea in 2015; and Centre Intermodes, La Rochelle, France in 2014. He is awarded Best Artist for Tempo Magazine Award in 2016 and Bandung Contemporary Art Award (BaCAA) in 2013. Tepu is currently living and working in Bandung, Indonesia.