Cardboard Rooms: Small Worlds Within

Faisal Darmawan is an an artist from Selayar, South Sulawesi, who now lives in Yogyakarta, is known for his unique works that use cardboard as a primary element. For him, cardboard is not just a fragile and temporary object, but a symbol of human life: easily damaged, often neglected, yet capable of protecting something precious. This approach reflects a deep reflection on life's values, making his works not only visually appealing but also emotionally touching.

In Faisal artistic practice, cardboard becomes a symbol of a life that is simple, fragile, yet enduring. It is not merely a material, but a metaphor for the human condition—one that stores, protects, and carries a multitude of experiences throughout the journey of life. Cardboard represents layers of the self: something that appears ordinary on the surface, yet holds a rich interiority within.

The figure of a child with a cardboard head emerges as a representation of both concealed and honest identity.

Through its interaction with surrounding objects and creatures—such as buffaloes, horses, stacks of cardboard, and insects—these works depict an inner journey: one of courage to move forward, emotional intimacy, and imagination born from simplicity. Each scene becomes a metaphor for phases of life navigated with curiosity and trust.

With a visual atmosphere that is soft and contemplative, tending toward stillness, these works invite viewers into a reflective space—like recalling something once deeply felt, yet difficult to articulate. Ultimately, the works are not about cardboard itself, but about how humans endure, evolve, and find meaning within their own fragility.

Date

16 May 2026 - 14 Jun 2026

Venue

Meiro Gallery

Menteng, Jakarta

Officiated by

Maman Rahmawan

Hosted by

Leon Honggo

Vania Wibisono

Media Partner

Jawapos

Mature IDN

Sejakarta

The Arvisit