write up on Lang Kacang by Bayu Utomo Radjikin

this is the assignment i did last year, it is to describe the subject matter of this self portrait – Lang Kacang by Bayu Utomo Radjikin.

Lang Kacang shows a sculpture of an armless tribal warrior screaming into the void. The expression on face is contorted by his roar of frustration and anger. Warrior is the symbol of the spirit who becomes a source of protection and support throughout his life’s journey. However, in the sculpture the warrior seemly caught in the midst of confusion and seeking direction. Through the expression of the face, the sculpture may describe the emasculation of the modern man, who are soulless and empty within. The armless warrior is useless, appearing as something weakened and unable to fight back. It may hint on the impracticality of culture and tradition beside the rise of modernity. However, elaborated headdress symbolizes rich culture and tradition. The upright tilt of the head suggests a sense of defiance and pride and resolve.

Also, his head is thrown back with the force of his roar of frustration and anger. The facial expression is contorted in emotion and yet the torso stands stiff and rigid, bound by bandages of metal. In contrast to the constricting armour of metal, the feathers of the headdress stand defiant and proud, symbolic of rich traditional culture and evocative of traditions past that are slowly being abandoned.

Though the body of the warrior is slightly bent to the front while the torso stay stiff to the ground, it seems as there is a force pulling the warrior forward and the warrior is trying to resist it with all his might. And the metal armour and chains may symbolize suffering and the misery that the warrior is going under.