SOLO EXHIBITION – SANS TITRE BY PENI CITRANI PUSPANING

SOLO EXHIBITION – SANS TITRE BY PENI CITRANI PUSPANING

From 11-14 July 2023 Wisma Jerman hosted the first solo exhibition by Peni Citrani Puspaning at Ruang Halle. The exhibition was opened by Mike Neuber, Director of Wisma Jerman and Prof. Hotman Siahaan (Faculty of Social and Political Science, Airlangga University). The opening session was attended by a number of VIP guests including Leo Arief Budiman (Disabilitas Berkarya), Indah Kurnia (DPR RI), Aldridge (UYCC Gallery), and several famous painters from East Java. After the opening, the event continued with a discussion session with the artist, Ms. Peni, and Mr. Mike Neuber as the moderator.

Peni Citrani Puspaning is a psychology graduate from a well-known university in Surabaya, who has been fond of painting since she was a child. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took part in an exhibition with 100 female artists at the Pendhapa Art Space and Miracle Prints (Yogyakarta). The female art lover who is familiarly known as Miss Peni is indeed more referred to as a kindergarten teacher rather than an artist, because her spirit as an educator and teacher is quite influential on her work. She loves her job very much since it gives her the opportunity to absorb the boundless, innocent, and honest energy and images of her students. This is a dream world that influences her current painting style.

The exhibition which displays a total of 10 paintings entitled “Sans Titre” or “Untitled” is quite unique. In her works, Peni does not depict the real world, such as landscapes, animals, people, or objects, but rather depicts imaginary things that often exist in children’s lives, such as a fairy tales that make the impossible possible. Enjoying Peni’s paintings is seeing love and tenderness, as well as seeing a pure heart without sin.

An interesting aspect about Peni’s paintings is the use of paper and crayons as medium. This is consistent with the themes and the overall character of her works but rather uncommon considering that most artists use watercolours and art paper or canvas to express themselves. The exhibition attracted more than 100 people over four days and received rich feedback from visitors and local artist communities. Thank you to all who attended and enlivened this event. Truly extraordinary! We wish the best of success for Ms. Peni and her future as an aspiring artist!