艾可·努穀厚

The work is in good condition overall. The canvas is clear and sound. There is ligth wear and handling evident on the margins and edges of the painting. Examination under ultraviolet light revealed no restoration. Framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Eko Nugroho dived into the art world just as Indonesia entered the Reformasi (Refomation) era in the late 1900's. Breaking away from the New Order regime, it meant that freedom became tangible which was very significant for the people in Indonesia. The word ‘freedom’ revolutionised Indonesia’s contemporary art scene, it meant that the possibilities were infinite. And most importantly, it allowed artists like Eko Nugroho to express their emotions freely without having to watch out for any political obstacles or barriers.

Nugroho’s work fundamentally initiates a conversation, he tries to trigger something out of every one of his audience. He questions everything in his work and is currently on the quest to find out what freedom actually is. He states “People are lost in freedom" and Toleransi Itu Mahal (Tolerance Is Expensive) is the product of his interest in this topic. 

In this painting, he pushes forward a foreign and hidden identity. A human with an alien head, half man half machine, whatever it is, we see that Nugroho, with purpose is estranging his subject with the intention to never reveal it. In this way, the missing identity paralyses our ability to connect to the painting.

People define us by our face and Nugroho’s purpose of concealing this person’s identity is to evoke something psychosomatic out of the spectator. Feelings of isolation, separation and seclusion are brought to life by the artist through his composition and use of colour. Through Toleransi Itu Mahal (Tolerance Is Expensive), he creates this implication that there is a price that comes with being tolerant, which is a direct reference to his main question, whether freedom actually stands for what it is defined as.

Indonesian textile and pop artist Eko Nugroho has established himself as an exciting presence in the country's contemporary art scene. Well known for his artworks that pair street culture aesthetics with high-end techniques, the artist has been specially selected by Louis Vuitton to commemorate their 25th anniversary in the country, and to bring his fresh voice to the the fashion brand.