'It Turns Out I’m Still Breathing'
Mitchell Fine Art proudly presents the debut Australian solo exhibition of celebrated Indonesian artist Arwin Hidayat, from 29 July to 23 August 2025 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Recently commissioned by Australian fashion brand Zimmermann for 4 locations across 3 countries, Arwin Hidayat is gaining international recognition for his dynamic artworks, which feature birds, serpents, and intriguingly distorted human forms.
His practice is deeply rooted in folk traditions, yet subtly engages with Indonesia’s socio-economic and moral landscape, weaving storytelling and cultural memory into each piece.
'Arwin’s work is a bold fusion of Indonesian tradition and fearless modern storytelling', says Gallery Director Mike Mitchell. 'We’re thrilled to introduce Australian audiences to his deeply personal and visually arresting practice.'
Showcasing a captivating exploration of form and colour across three distinct mediums - painting, ceramics, and batik – the exhibition reflects Hidayat’s unique synthesis of traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with contemporary artistic narratives.
His paintings burst with kaleidoscopic colour and symbolic intensity while his handmade ceramics highlight his deft manipulation of form and texture. Handmade batik artworks offer a contemporary richness whilst layered in tradition, drawing on the cultural techniques of wax-resist dyeing and patterning.
The exhibition offers an immersive experience that bridges artistic traditions and contemporary discourse, presenting viewers with a powerful vision of artistic hybridity and cultural dialogue.
NEED TO KNOW:
Exhibition Opening: Friday 1st August from 6 – 8pm with the artist in attendance
Artist Panel Discussion: On Saturday 2nd August from 2:30pm, In Conversation featuring the artist Arwin Hidayat, Gallery Director Mike Mitchell, Art Advisor and Curator John Cruthers and Art Consultant Cassandra Lehman will be held in the gallery.
This free event is a chance to learn more about the artist, their work and the themes of the exhibition.