While holding back laughter, Elia Nurvista, curator of the main exhibition Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021, read aloud a question that appeared in the live YouTube chat column, “The submarine is hilarious, Sis. Can you ride in it?”
The question from Nova Basuki was given to Tohjaya Tono, the main exhibition artist who was the speaker at the Open Ideas program: Talking Artists #3, Thursday (28/10) afternoon. Coming to the screen half an hour earlier, two other artists, named Vembri Waluyas and Riar Rizaldi, also laughed.
The question, addressed in the form of a joke, was then responded to by Tono. This Bangkalan artist gave an explanation about the selection of submarines in his installation entitled “Tamulahan”.
“Some are wondering, maybe. Why a submarine? For me, during the process at that time, there were many choices for devices that represent power. In my opinion, a submarine represents a tool for regional power,” said Tono. Wearing a dark grey t-shirt, with a black scarf wrapped around the neck, and a black hat, he sat like he was hanging out with his friends.
Furthermore, Tono gave an example: New Zealand and Australia built their strengths with military weapons. In his view, the use of military weapons, including submarines, to build power is an interesting subject.
“This submarine has a certain kind of observation. Metaphors can be made when we travel by ship, let alone a submarine, which navigates the depths of the ocean and explores the riches in it,” he added.
He also said that when researching World War II, submarines were used to explore the ocean and see its natural potential.
Through this explanation, Tono tries to explore objects that represent state power, namely submarines, which are juxtaposed with other landscape objects regarding exploration and exploitation of nature through his installation works.
The exploration and exploitation, according to Tono, impacted his life. At the beginning of the conversation, he had time to tell about his childhood. When Tono was a child, the nature in Madura was so friendly. When playing in coastal areas, he often saw fish jumping from the surface of the water. However, about ten years later, that beauty seemed to disappear.
“Tamulahan” was displayed on the screen as he spoke. A submarine hangs from the ceiling decorated with red lights. The room is dimly lit, filled with purple color with a mural of mountains and trees next to it.
“That was the reason I chose the submarine. As a metaphor for power,” concluded Tono.
