M. Yakin

(b. 1992, Indonesia)

M. Yakin is an artist born in Bukittinggi, currently based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Indonesia Institute of The Arts in Yogyakarta. His artistic practice is rooted in his observations of what he refers to as the “gray area” — a realm characterized by vagueness and ambiguity, providing him with the freedom to explore and express various perspectives. This exploration has led him to delve into a metaphorical investigation of humanity’s pursuit of truth amidst the complexities of the universe’s reality. In his works, MYAKIN creates anthropomorphic figures set against unique, dynamic, and intricate backgrounds, often rendered in monochromatic ink strokes. These black-and-white compositions serve as the foundation for his paintings, with a meticulous layering technique that reflects the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing the multiple layers of the gray area.

MYAKIN’s work has earned recognition, including being named The Most Promising Artist of the Year at the 2019 UOB Painting of the Year awards and later winning the main award in 2024. He is currently pursuing further artistic exploration through a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in France.

His solo exhibitions include “Causality / Moment / Perception” at Ace House Collective in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2021). Selected group exhibitions include “Sign System” at Yuan Gallery in Jakarta (2024), “UOB Painting of the Year 2024” at the National Gallery of Singapore (2024), “ARTSUBS: Ways of Dreaming” at Pos Bloc Surabaya (2024), and “One Piece Club Indonesia – Collectors’ Show” at Gajah Gallery in Jakarta (2024). He has also participated in numerous other exhibitions, such as “Grey Award” at Grey Gallery in Bandung (2024), “PAINTING by Yogya Young Artist” at Jogja Gallery in Yogyakarta (2022), and “After Mooi Indie #4” at R. J. Katamsi Gallery in Yogyakarta (2022), among many others.