Irfan Hendrian's 'CLOSED' Exhibition Explores Tionghoa History Through Paper Architecture

Irfan Hendrian presented his solo exhibition 'CLOSED' at ara contemporary in Jakarta from January 31 to March 17, 2026. The Bandung-based artist, known for his work as a printmaker and graphic designer, showcased new pieces from his 'Chinatown Window Sample' series created in 2025. These works examine the experiences of the Tionghoa, a Chinese Indonesian ethnic minority, addressing historical violence and ongoing discrimination. Hendrian employs paper as his primary medium, investigating its sculptural and architectural dimensions to reflect what he terms an 'architecture of fear.' The exhibition featured interactive installations like 'Paranoia Holder' (2025), where visitors could imprint their keys on paper cards, referencing security practices developed after ethnic conflicts in Indonesia's post-independence era. Other displayed works included layered paper compositions mimicking ornate metal window trellises found in Chinatown shophouses, such as 'Chinatown Window Sample: Kawung' and 'Chinatown Window Sample: Oblong 2' (both 2025), which incorporate risography and die-cutting techniques. Additional pieces like 'Trellis trend 2025: The Sahroni' and 'Trellis Trend 2025: The Sri Mulyani' (both 2025) respond to civil unrest in August 2025, when protests targeted officials' residences amid economic tensions. Through these works, Hendrian connects historical trauma with contemporary social issues, using paper to materialize memory and resistance. The exhibition underscores how domestic objects and architectural elements can embody psychological and political narratives.