labyrinth-

"Labyrinth", (1987-8), Dede Eri Supria

I really like the amount of symbolism and meaning, as well as the significance of the message this painting conveys. The first thing that would strike people is the sheer size of the painting. At 200x250cm, this painting can dominate an entire wall, forcefully and deliberately attracting the attention of any who pass it. In addition to size, the artist has used bright colours to further enhance the eye-catching effect, as though to say "hey look here! the message i want to tell you can't wait any longer!"

Next to draw the eye would be the vast labyrinth of cardboard boxes, decorated with an array of well-known brands that we probably encounter in our everyday lives. The labyrinth stretches to the top of the painting, becoming increasingly packed and complicated as it goes up to create a sense of depth and perspective, making viewers wonder if there is even an end to this maze. The cardboard boxes seems almost sinister in this painting because of the way they are portrayed as the walls of this never-ending maze. They serve as the evidence of the rapid consumerism that has steadily increased throughout the passing years. On top of that, metal bars (not unlike those frequently seen in construction sites) weave through the cardboard boxes, strengthening their structure. The appearance of construction bars seems to draw a connection to the industrial revolution, as metal is mostly seen as an unnatural, man-made, industrial material. Viewers may also feel a twinge of unease at how familiar all the brands are to them, reminding them that they too are culprits, and the builders of this labyrinth. As if to make the picture even worse, right at the top of the painting is a cramped array of new cardboard boxes, impatiently wanting to squeeze themselves into the picture. It seems to spell the ominous question - Does the world know when to stop?

Also, this painting is almost devoid of life, except for two boys, lying in a loose fetal position, weak and helpless. The way in which they are arranged - limbs and all - practically scream out their helplessness, faced with the impossible task of getting out of this maze. As the only human figures in the painting, and in their weak state, they naturally evoke a feeling of sympathy in the viewers. In this aspect, the never-ending cardboard boxes seem even more sinister, as they are the cause of the childrens' suffering.

I think that the main point of the painting is how it portrays the relationship between poverty and industrialization. While there have been countless representations and documentaries and what not on poverty, this painting is a still a stand-out among the billions of other representations. This is primarily due to the fact that most of the other representations only show a picture of say a factory spewing smoke next to a village, or children walking barefooted to work in sweatshops etc. Only showing singular cases and examples. However, "Labyrinth" stands out due to its attempt to portray the entire situation of poverty and consumerism in its magnitude in one picture. Just using one picture to show this huge problem clearly reinforces the message and makes sure to deliver it with a huge impact. He also cleverly makes the boxes seem to carry on even off the canvas to show that this is still not the full picture.