KBRN, Yogyakarta: Graphic art, a unique and story-rich visual medium, often remains overshadowed by fine art and music in Yogyakarta. However, the PASETAKY #3 exhibition, currently underway at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Kotabaru Village, Yogyakarta City, aims to bring this compelling art form to the forefront.

"The uniqueness of graphic art lies in its communal nature, which can be reproduced in large quantities without reducing its aesthetic value," explained Angga Sukma Permana, an artist and initiator of the exhibition, on Thursday (Jan 9). "Graphic arts can also be an effective propaganda medium.”

Running from December 9 to 13, 2025, PASETAKY #3 introduces visitors to the world of printmaking through demonstrations of four core techniques: relief printing, intaglio (metal-plate printmaking techniques), screen printing, and planography (printing from a flat surface).

Angga, who can complete a single artwork in a day and larger pieces within five months, emphasized the exhibition's goal: showcasing the continuous evolution of graphic arts.

Beyond his own works, Angga brought a collection featuring the creations of renowned artists such as the late Suromo, ISI lecturer Albertus Charles Andre Tanama, Makassar State University lecturer Muhlis Lugis, and Gunawan Bonaventura, an acclaimed graphic artist.

The exhibition also features a diverse array of international works, such as The Jogja International Miniprint Biennale (JIMB) collection.

The graphic arts, comprising 72 mini prints from 2014 to 2020, boasts contributions from artists in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Italy, Russia, Canada, Mexico, the United States, and other countries.

These miniature works, limited to 20x20 cm, showcase a variety of printing techniques, including etching, dry point, mezzotint, lithography, woodcut, linocut, silkscreen, engraving, and digital printing.

"Overwhelmed," a linocut print by Iqlimatu Zahra (Imuk), a member of the "Percetakan Sewon" Graphic Arts Community, powerfully conveys the artist's experience of feeling overwhelmed by pressure. (Photo: RRI English/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

PASETAKY #3 also provides a platform for local communities. Five community stalls, including Percetakan Sewon, Graphic Victims, Titisan Art Shop, Trample Print, and Taring Padi, are showcasing their work.

Nasif, a visitor from Bekasi, West Java, appreciated the exhibition, highlighting the distinctive character of the artworks. "The Yogyakarta-based artists exhibit a strong sense of character in their techniques and the issues they address," he observed. "I hope the exhibition continues to provide a valuable platform for these artists." ***