Artwork portraying the shaping of gender identity across history and culture wins the 15th UOB Painting of the Year (Indonesia) Award

Jakarta, 15 Oktober 2025 – UOB Indonesia presented the 15th UOB Painting of the Year (POY) (Indonesia) award from the Established Artist category to Mr Eddy Susanto for his painting titled “Kuasa dalam Setara” (Power in Equality). The 50-year-old artist from Yogyakarta composed his artwork on translucent cowhide, acrylic sheet and drawing pen, as he explored how history and culture shaped the understanding of male and female identities.

Inspired by Willem Isaacsz van Swanenburg’s 1608 vanitas engraving and the Javanese philosophical text Serat Sastrajendra Hayuningrat, the artwork combined European visual allegory with Javanese cosmology to explore how power, equality, and identity are intertwined through cultural and historical lenses.

Mr Susanto said, “My artwork reflects on how history and belief shape our understanding of identity. By merging the European depiction of vanitas that reflects on the fragility of life with Javanese philosophy, it invites the public to see how the concepts of power and equality are continuously redefined within our cultural consciousness and serve as a prolonged dialogue across different cultures and philosophical contexts.”

The 15th UOB POY (Indonesia) competition panel judges comprise Dr Agung Hujatnika, Chief Judge, independent art curator and lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology; Ms Alia Swastika, Curator and Director of the Biennale Jogja Foundation, and Ms Venus Lau, Director of Museum MACAN Jakarta.

Dr Agung Hujatnika said, ““Kuasa dalam Setara” (Power in Equality) distinguishes itself through its conceptual depth and technical precision. The artist demonstrates refined skill in layering, collage, and intricate drawing, integrating Javanese scripts that evoke cosmological reflections. By weaving together European and Javanese visual traditions, the work creates a subtle dialogue between culture, history and belief. It reflects the artist’s maturity and thoughtful engagement with global history as well as Indonesian local culture, including the use of cow leather, the primary material traditionally used in Wayang Kulit puppetry.”

As the country winner of the 15th UOB POY (Indonesia) competition, Mr Susanto will receive a cash prize of IDR250 million. His artwork will compete with the winning entries from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for the UOB Southeast Asian POY regional award, to be announced at an award ceremony in Singapore on 12 November 2025. Mr Susanto also stands a chance to take part in an overseas residency programme supported by UOB.

Mr Hendra Gunawan, President Director of UOB Indonesia, said, “Congratulations to Mr Susanto for winning the top award in the 15th UOB POY competition in Indonesia. We are proud that UOB POY, in its 15th year in Indonesia, continues to support the growth of contemporary art in Indonesia and the wider region. By providing a platform for artists to showcase their creativity, we aim to promote meaningful dialogue and celebrate cultural expression. “Kuasa dalam Setara” (Power in Equality) exemplifies the quality and depth of work that this competition inspires, reflecting how art can challenge perspectives, connect traditions and enrich our understanding of society.”

Mr Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, Deputy Minister of Culture, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia said, “The UOB POY competition consistently demonstrates contribution in advancing Indonesian art beyond geographical limitations. As a platform for new artists, it strengthens the art ecosystem and heightens public appreciation for art. I extend my congratulations to the winners and finalists of UOB POY who continue to showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage to the world. We hope the artworks will uplift everyone’s spirit to be appreciated on a regional and global scale.”

Artwork depicting the fragile bonds of transnational family wins 15th UOB Most Promising Artist of the Year (Indonesia)

In the Emerging Artist category, Mr Muhammad Shodik, a 24-year-old artist from Probolinggo, East Java, won the 15th UOB Most Promising Artist of the Year (Indonesia) award for his painting titled “i am here”. The artwork reflects the fragile bond between the artist and his undocumented father, using photos, messages, and archival traces to explore memory, absence, and transnational connection. Repeated text “i am here” and subtle imagery evoked a liminal space between departure and uncertain return, highlighting presence, vulnerability, and the human desire to bridge distance across borders.

UOB Indonesia will exhibit 48 finalists’ artworks from the 15th UOB POY (Indonesia) competition, including the eight winning pieces at the Melting Pot, ASHTA District 8, Jakarta, Level GF. Held in partnership with Art Jakarta, the exhibition will run from 15 to 30 October 2025 and is open to public from 10 am to 10 pm. Visitors can look forward to an inspiring showcase of creativity through a VIP guided tour, insightful art talks, and an engaging art workshop for children.