Yusra Martunus

(b. 1973, Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, Indonesia)  

Yusra Martunus’ art practice is defined by a minimalist approach to form, material, and meaning. His works exude a soft, fluid sensibility, often composed of cloud-like colour formations. Since the early 2000s, Martunus has been deeply engaged in manipulating the physical properties of his materials—transforming rigid substances such as wire and aluminium into forms that appear malleable, pliant, or even liquid. In some cases, he flattens three-dimensional objects to such an extent that they resemble paintings, challenging the boundaries between sculpture and painting. Through these material interventions, Martunus creates unexpected metaphors that subvert conventional interpretations of medium and form. His seemingly simple works thus demand closer inspection, revealing complexities that bend to the inherent properties of the materials themselves. As a result, the viewer must recalibrate their understanding, adapting to the unfamiliar visual language he constructs.

Martunus extends this sense of ambiguity through his cryptic titling system, which often consists of numerical or alphabetical codes rather than descriptive phrases. These elusive titles introduce an additional cognitive layer, compelling viewers to decipher their significance—only to realise that their meanings shift across different works. As with much of Martunus’ practice, meaning is never imposed but rather left open for interpretation, inviting viewers to engage in a process of contemplation and meaning-making.

A co-founder of Jendela Art Group, Martunus is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in contemporary Southeast Asian art. His inventive use of materials and conceptual approach have cemented his reputation within the region’s art scene. He studied at the  Institut Seni Indonesia (The Indonesia Institute of the Arts) in Yogyakarta, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2000. Over the years, his work has received critical recognition, including the Best of McDonald’s Art Award (1994), Best of Indonesia ASEAN Art Award (2003), and finalist placement in the Asian Art Award (2004). His pieces have also been successfully auctioned, such as 07104R (399 parts), which was sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2011 for $19,302 as part of their Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings sale.

Martunus currently lives and works in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.