Push 2003

Nyoman Masriadi’s ‘Push’ presents two figures laboring against an enormous, immovable cube. Masriadi emerged as an artist during a period of significant political and social change in Indonesia. Here, Masriadi uses exaggerated figures to explore themes of labor and the body. The monumental scale of the cube, set against a vast seascape, emphasizes the disproportionate power dynamics at play, a visual metaphor for the challenges faced by individuals against larger social structures. Masriadi’s work often incorporates elements of both traditional Indonesian motifs and contemporary global culture. I see the figures pushing the block as a reflection on cultural identity and the effort required to shift entrenched structures. Masriadi's background is rooted in a nation undergoing rapid transformation. 'Push' speaks to the emotional weight of cultural expectations and the personal effort required to negotiate one's path within it.