Open Studio: Angki Purbandono
Angki Purbandono
28 November – 27 December 2025
“(Membaca) Topeng Monyet”
Angki Purbandono is an artist who continuously questions the boundaries of the photographic medium and how it intersects with contemporary life. Since 2006, he has developed a non-lens–based photographic practice, which he has manifested in various works. For him, current technological developments make it possible to push photography in unexpected directions.
In recent years, he has become interested in things that initially feel nostalgic but gradually reveal themselves as problematic practices—namely, topeng monyet (monkey mask performances). What was once perceived as a form of popular entertainment has since been recognized as an unethical practice toward animals (monkeys) that needs to be questioned.
In this open studio, he collaborates with Aksi Peduli Monyet @aksipedulimonyet to develop an artistic practice that also serves as a new campaign medium in the resistance against topeng monyet. During the open studio period, he will delve into archives, costumes, and various materials related to topeng monyet, as well as engage in dialogue with several practitioners to build awareness around this issue.
*Open Studio is one of the programs of Cemeti Institute for Art and Society that focuses on artistic experimentation and the development of discourse around works currently being developed by artists. This program represents a new form of utilizing Cemeti’s Stockroom space, held regularly and open to artists, either by invitation or through an open proposal.
Documentation
Biography
Angki Purbandono studied at the Modern School of Design, Yogyakarta, and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (Institut Seni Indonesia), Yogyakarta. He is one of the co-founders of Ruang MES 56 and later established PAPs (Prison Art Programs). Known for his photographic works created using scanners instead of cameras, Angki combines found objects into playful and unexpected compositions.
His works have been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions, including Biennale Jogja XV (2019), the Bangkok Art Biennale (2018), the Chennai Photo Biennale (2016), Jakarta Biennale XIII (2009), the 4th Fukuoka Asian Triennale (2009), and Space and Shadows – Contemporary Art from Southeast Asia at Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Germany (2005). In 2006, he received the Asian Artist Fellowship at Changdong Art Studio, South Korea.
