Enka Komariah

In the south of Yogyakarta there is a night market called Pasar Malam Jumat Kliwon on Parang Kusumo Beach, held on auspicious nights of the Javanese calendar (about twice a month). At the centre of the market is an ancient stone structure believed to be where the Queen of the South Seas was courted by the Mataram Sultan. Nearby is a mosque and around it are stalls selling mystical potions and strength tonics. Beyond these stalls, in the half shadows beside the beach, sex workers ply their trades. The market mixes Mataram rituals with Islamic teachings and Kejawen (animist) practices.

Born in Klaten in 1993, Enka Komariah graduated from the Department of Graphic Arts at the Indonesian Art Institute in 2017. He often incorporates satirical and ironic symbols into his art, blurring the lines between societal taboos and norms. He also explores his personal identity by drawing from the agrarian traditions of Java and contrasting them with popular cultural images.

Enka is a member of several art collectives, including Barasub (comics), Gegerboyo (murals) and Beresyit (illustrations). He has exhibited widely in Indonesia, winning the Young Artist Award at Art Jog in 2019.
He participated in the exhibition Indonesia Calling 2020 at 16albermarle Project Space, Sydney. With the collective Gegerboyo, his work was featured in the 2022 Setouchi Triennale in Japan. Also in 2022 his collaborative work with Ipeh Nur, Rumah Yang Yahud (A Cool House), was presented at Art Jog 2022 and in 2023 at 16albermarle, Sydney.