In a world that rarely stops turning, Butet Kartaredjasa—actor, cultural figure, and artist extraordinaire—urges us to pause. To breathe. To look back. Then ask ourselves a quiet, yet powerful question: Who are we, really? Where do our roots lie? Where did we begin?
These existential musings serve as the philosophical thread weaving through his latest exhibition, Eling Sangkan Paraning Dumadi—a Javanese maxim that gently reminds us to “remember your origin, your purpose of becoming.” Hosted at the serene yet striking LAV Gallery in Yogyakarta, this exhibition marks a shift in Butet’s artistic language. Renowned for his sharp and witty theatrical monologues, he now speaks in a more subdued, reflective tone—through the lens of a camera.
At the heart of the exhibit is a Javanese Pinocchio—a whimsical yet poignant figure placed at significant and historical sites across Yogyakarta. Through this icon, Butet unfolds a visual narrative, prompting reflection on identity, memory, and heritage.
The exhibition opened on the afternoon of June 22, 2025, in an intimate gathering filled with warmth and soul. The event was gracefully hosted by Bambang Herras and Ambon Sutrisno, and welcomed an audience of fellow artists, cultural figures, and art aficionados. Notable attendees included Putu Suta Wijaya, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Yogyakarta, alongside voices of cultural celebration such as Citra Pratiwi (owner of LAV Gallery), Mahfud MD, Marwoto, and prominent art collector Dr. Oei Hong Djin. The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Ashadi Siregar.
Eling Sangkan Paraning Dumadi will be on view from June 23 to July 22, 2025, at LAV Gallery, Yogyakarta—a space where memory and meaning merge, calling us all to rediscover the stories beneath our steps.
