Jumaldi Alfi

Jumaldi Alfi is a highly influential figure in the Indonesian contemporary art scene, renowned for his proficiency as both a practicing painter and sculptor. He holds the distinction of being a co-founder and an active member of the renowned Jendela Art Group, widely regarded as Indonesia's foremost collective in the realm of contemporary art.

Jumaldi Alfi draws inspiration from the artistic energy and technical excellence displayed by post-war German artists, including luminaries like Anselm Kiefer, Martin Kippenberger, and Georg Baselitz. 

Biography of Jumaldi Alfi

Jumaldi Alfi was born in 1973 in Lintau, West Sumatra, Indonesia. He currently lives and works in Yogyakarta. In 1999, he completed his fine arts education at the Indonesian Institute of Arts in Yogyakarta.

In 2010, Jumaldi Alfi established his new studio practice in the Kalipakis area of Yogyakarta. Leveraging his role as a co-founder of various artists' collectives in Yogyakarta, he spearheaded the development of SaRanG, a venue encompassing several buildings housing various art institutions in the city. SaRanG was formally unveiled to the public in early 2013, with the noble mission of fostering and promoting contemporary art in Indonesia as a non-profit endeavor.

In 2011, Jumaldi Alfi played a pivotal role in co-founding OFCA International (Office For Contemporary Art), an artists' initiative based in Yogyakarta.

Some of his previous solo exhibitions encompass: "Jumaldi Alfi" at Sanata Dharma University Gallery, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2016), "Jumaldi Alfi: Melting Memories" at STPI Gallery, Singapore (2011), "Nightswimmer" at Metis Gallery, Amsterdam (2011), "Life/Art #101: Never Ending Lesson" at Sangkring Art Space, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2010).

The artist has taken part in numerous art fairs, including Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Art Fair, and the Shanghai Art Fair.

Jumaldi Alfi's Art Style

Jumaldi Alfi's art style is characterized by the use of marks and scribbles applied across diverse landscapes and scenes, guided by elemental elements like the foreground, horizon, and hints of space. In his drawings, a striking contrast emerges with the abundant presence of figures depicted in various physical and emotional states.

As a co-founder and integral member of the Jendela Art Group, Jumaldi earned acclaim for his distinctive artistic style, characterized by a predilection for naivism. His work oscillated between what might appear as "meaningless doodles" and a deliberate contrast of formalism. He exclusively employed minimal visual elements such as line, color, and texture to convey his artistic vision. His artworks illuminate the influence of Western contemporary art on both Indonesia's art scene and society.