Indifferent boss 

Nyoman Masriadi created ‘Indifferent Boss’ to offer a satirical commentary on power dynamics in contemporary society. Born in 1973, he is known for his bold, figurative paintings that address themes of globalization, consumer culture, and social inequality in post-colonial Indonesia. In this work, Masriadi presents a scene of leisure. Yet, this image is charged with unspoken tensions. The figures are depicted with exaggerated features and dark skin tones, challenging conventional representations of beauty and success. The Indonesian text bubbles add another layer of social commentary: the suited character asks for work, while another asks for a back rub. Masriadi’s work invites us to consider how class, race, and gender intersect in shaping our perceptions of power and privilege. The artist once said he hopes to “stimulate dialogue” through his art. This painting serves as a mirror reflecting the complex realities of our globalized world, prompting us to reflect on the emotional and social dimensions of inequality.