In the realm of dreams and aspirations, Tulus Warsito, a renowned artist and emeritus professor of international political science at Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, brings forth a profound exploration of illusions. Contrary to fleeting shadows, Tulus believes that illusions, like statements, can transcend into reality when illuminated by the right light.

Under the title "Real Illusion," Tulus showcases his thoughts through a collection of paintings and sculptures exhibited at Galeri Linda in Indonesia Design District (IDD), Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2, Banten. The exhibition, which runs from January 27 to February 27, 2024, unfolds in the newly opened Galeri Linda since December 2023.

Ali Kusno Fusin, the owner and manager of Galeri Linda, strategically chose PIK 2 as a new venue to bring art closer to the audience in the western and northern parts of Jakarta. PIK 2, situated in the Jakarta Bay reclamation area, is experiencing rapid development as a residential, commercial, and tourism hub.

For Tulus, illusions are akin to statements, a perspective shaped during his tenure as a guest professor of international political science at the University Utara Malaysia (UUM) from 2010 to 2012. Drawing parallels between the clarity of statements in Malaysia and their often ambiguous nature in Indonesia, Tulus delves into the essence of reality and expression.

The exhibition becomes a semantic exploration of the rhetoric poured out by presidential and vice-presidential candidates leading up to the elections on February 14, 2024. Tulus warns that the promises and rhetoric of these leaders are like dreams, hopes, or illusions that should ideally materialize if elected and entrusted by the people.

Artistic Commentary on Political Deception

Tulus confronts the issue of political deceit through a painting titled "Fake Cation" (2023), utilizing acrylic paint on a canvas measuring 140 cm x 140 cm. The title, resembling "vacation," cleverly alludes to the deceptive nature of the artwork. "Fake Cation" represents a print of a photo from a negative film in its raw form, showing only black shadows. Tulus plays with the concept of turning a negative into a positive, but a false positive—appearing as black and white on the negative film.

Using digital printing technology, Tulus creates an image of a woman hanging bras and underwear on a clothesline, with the image appearing uniformly dark. He then adds thick, textured acrylic strokes in orange and yellow, forming diagonal lines that cast dark shadows. This technique of creating floating shadows is a recurring theme in Tulus's works, showcased alongside abstract backgrounds featuring various patterns.

Among his realistic paintings is "Learning from Nature" (2015), depicting a baby watching a decorative fish swim in a pool, symbolizing the learning process from nature. Another piece, titled "The Next Generation" (2013), portrays a sleeping baby suspended by fabric, giving the illusion of floating.

Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Inspirations

Tulus's fascination with sculpture and three-dimensional art, cultivated during his studies at the School of Fine Arts Indonesia in Yogyakarta, is evident in the exhibition. His sculpture, "Countdown" (2023), measuring 69 cm x 80 cm, crafted from iron and acrylic paint, depicts a human figure in a bowed position, appearing to count down to their liberation.

The artist leaves the interpretation open, allowing the public to derive meaning from their own perspectives. "Countdown" subtly suggests the consequences awaiting those deemed guilty in the eyes of the law—a poignant reminder from Tulus, both an artist and a political science expert, that every choice carries its risks, including unfulfilled political promises during campaigns.