Titled The Single Exhibition In Europe, Artist Miranda Pranoto Raises Fear Of Intimacy

JAKARTA - In recent years, Indonesian female artists have begun to show their influence on the global art stage. Names such as Dharmaiani, Titarubi, and Eko Nugroho (in collaboration) have brought narratives and perspectives typical of Indonesia to various world galleries and biennales.

Now, the relay is followed by young artist Miranda Pranoto, who is preparing to hold his first single exhibition titled "Intimacy Issues" in Paris, France.

Held from June 5 to 11, 2025 at the Galie Le Petite Semaine, this exhibition depicts Miranda's exploration of women's body representations based on personal experience. Since the beginning of her career, she has consistently voiced the theme of the body's perception and female autonomy through autobiographic works.

With the courage she rarely encounters, Miranda exposes things that are often considered taboo, such as menstrual pain and reproductive health, through works such as Opites For The Cramps

Miranda's works stemmed from real experiences that she experienced ranging from eating disorders, body dysmorphias, to violence and complicated personal relationships. He also mentioned digital trauma such as deepfake crimes, which change the face or body digitally for manipulative purposes.

All of this is packaged in a painting that makes the canvas a reflective space, where he projects wounds, memories, and hopes.

Over the past two years, Miranda has prepared an "Intimacy Issues" series consisting of 15 works, including early paintings while still studying at the Royal Academy of Art, London. One of his opening works is the painting of the hairy socks the initial symbol of the journey of healing which is both personal and universal.

Miranda's expressive style combines excitation with abstraction, presents gestural freedom and intuitive forces that escape daily aesthetic norms.

He stated that through art, he tried to surpass social control over a woman's body, presenting a space where freedom and respect for body diversity can be celebrated.

The curator of this exhibition, total Rozzi, called the Intimacy Issues' as a manifestation of the spirit of the MINERVA association, which focuses on promoting female artists in contemporary art realms. Together with the Galie Le Petite Semaine, MINERVA provides a stage for voices that challenge the dominant narrative about the femininity and body representation, including from countries like Indonesia that still hold conservative values.

Interestingly, this is not only Miranda's international debut as a single artist, but also MINERVA's first step in appointing artists from Southeast Asia. By bringing such a personal and inspiring story, Miranda hopes that visitors can feel the emotional depth that cannot be conveyed through the digital screen.

"Initially painting was an escape and my friend in loneliness. Now, my work is a voice for myself, and I feel very honored to be able to share it directly in Paris," concluded the 1999-born artist.