Melati Suryodarmo
Behind the Light (2016)
5-hour performance 

In Behind the Light (2016), Melati uses a two-way mirror — one side reflects the face of the audience when the light is on, and the other shows the chamber where the artist is performing. Inside the room, Melati bows slowly, her face is inked like a stamp and she plants her face on a sheet of white paper. After each impression, the artist holds up the paper then discards it on the floor, repeating this action for five hours.

Behind the Light (2016) turns the mirror into a place of magic, mystery and agency. Suggesting that behind its surface is another dimension beyond the everyday. It also alludes to the idea of ‘psychological mirroring’, where individuals form ideas about themselves by observing and learning from others, while simultaneously influencing others by projecting their selves and personalities. Behind the Light proposes an exchange between the two sides of a mirror, illuminating the relationships between self, surface, society and the spiritual world. 

Behind the Light (2016) is part of the performance series within the exhibition 'Melati Suryodarmo: Why Let the Chicken Run?' at Museum MACAN. Watch it LIVE by booking your museum tickets on:

Thursday – Friday
11 – 12 November 2021
at 11.00 – 15.00 WIB

Book your ticket

• This performance happens inside a room for 4 hours. To maintain physical distancing, we allow up to 3 people to be inside the room at any one time. Our ground staff will guide the audience to watch the performance safely and comfortably.
• Photo-taking with mobile phone is allowed, but please refrain from recording the performance on a video.
• To read our new visitation rules, please click the link below.

Visitation Rules