SHOWCASE
/ ARTIST / 2025
| ARTIST: | Godmatter |
| COUNTRY: | Indonesia |
| EMAIL: | yellowfabrix@gmail.com |
| CONTACT: |
instagram.com/godmatter |
| Godmatter is a pseudonym of the Jakarta-based visual artist whose work tells the stories of the main characters: Gatot the Good Guy and Ganjar the Bad Guy, who live in Gotenia, a fictional country with Karaat as its capital, alongside other figures such as Ghofur the Ordinary Guy, Grogot with No Rules, Gani the Art Guy, and Gendis Who Understands. His works bring the reality of our surroundings into the everyday life of Karaat, delivering “striking” messages through a sarcastic, comedic tone, all wrapped in a lighthearted manner. In his creative practice, Godmatter explores various media, ranging from illustrations, comic strips, books, paintings, art toys, and street art, to puppet shows, featuring his figures that have set foot in countries including Indonesia, the United States, Sweden, Andorra, Spain, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Canada, Thailand, and Hong Kong. |
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Love is Blind, Ain't It?
A delusion of the people of Karaat and their supposed love for their jobs. It’s a feeling that seems somewhat forced, yet somehow, this very delusion is what keeps them (us) going in their (our) city.
Teddy is All of Us
Reflecting the current economic situation in Gotenia. A reality that puts limits on almost every part of life. Even dreaming big or having slightly unrealistic goals? You’ll probably want to think twice... or three, four, five times. In this economy? Bro, you gotta be kidding me.
Can I Kick It?
Godmatter shares his take on modern football through this piece, focusing on the football culture in Gotenia. In Gotenia, football is the people’s favorite sport. But instead of keeping it fair, fun, and inclusive, the football federation seems more focused on squeezing profits, treating the game like a flashy product rather than something for everyone to enjoy. As a result, the sport feels more and more like big business, drifting away from its roots as a game for the people.This sculpture is made from resin painted with automotive paint, set on a base of artificial grass and metal, measuring 30 x 30 x 45 cm.
Never Too Late
Out-of-touch statements, absurd stories, next-level indifference, you’ll hear it all from a certain group of people in the city of Karaat. It’s like they’re living in a totally different universe, not the same city the rest of us are trying to survive in. In a place already covered in concrete floors, asphalt roads, and cold grey buildings… the least we can do is try to touch some grass, if we can even find it. Ah, see? My tears are falling.
Full Circle
Hired, tired, fired. And then it goes on repeat. Just a glimpse of modern life in the city of Karaat, where we chase happiness and build up expectations from inside tiny office cubicles. Though honestly, we do have choices… If not fired, then we resign. Hehe.
You Don't Even Know
An illustration capturing modern city folks and all their daily chaos. Wrestling with routines. Traffic jams, honking horns, scorching sun. Chasing something… the same something everyone else in the city is chasing. What is it, exactly? Well, maybe even some of the chasers aren’t totally sure what they’re after. But hey, life goes on, doesn’t it?
Ref! I'm in Love!
A sporty scene from Karaat Football Club. A way of showing my love for the game. It looks competitive, sure… but seriously, what are they even doing?
Keep That in Mind
Alright, let’s be real for a second. Total honesty time. Gotenians work from morning till night, as employees, grinding day in and day out. Chasing goals they made up in their own heads. All in the name of “financial freedom” (if that’s what they're after). But guess what? In the end, it’s the company and their bosses who end up thriving. Them? Well… they stay pretty much the same. Oh, and don’t forget, they’ve still got work waiting to be finished! Hehe. But hey… that’s if money’s what they're chasing, right?
Karaat Theater Show
A book written and illustrated by Godmatter, following the everyday misadventures of Gatot the Good Guy, a clown living in Karaat, the chaotic capital of the fictional country Gotenia. The city has its own kind of charm: wild traffic, sky-high crime, social inequality, and yes, unrealistic dreams!In this story, Gatot is excited to attend the long-awaited Karaat Theater Show, something the whole city has been buzzing about. He thinks it'll be a smooth night out, but, of course, things take a turn. Let’s just say, getting to the theater turns out to be more dramatic than the show itself.
Printed in both Indonesian and English, this 56-page softcover zine (195 × 195 mm) is beautifully produced in 4-colour Risograph with saddle-stitch binding.