MUKLAY Muchlis Fachri

MUKLAY | Muchlis Fachri | Muhlis Fachri (Indonesia)

Muchlis Fachri (art name Muklay), born in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1993, is an artist active in the intersection of contemporary visual art and popular culture. He currently resides and creates art there.

Muklay studied Art Education at the National University of Jakarta (UNJ). Although the curriculum focused on education and teaching, he gained a deep understanding of arts management and interpersonal communication, skills that played a crucial role in his later artistic career and cross-disciplinary collaborations. His creative journey began in high school with customized sneakers, combining creativity and business acumen to create unique styles for his classmates, while also laying the foundation for his future business models.

Creative style and cultural context

Muklay's work is known for its bold, vibrant colors and exaggerated, somewhat grotesque character designs. His visual language blends Japanese animation, street culture, and memories of personal growth, creating a style that is both familiar and alien. His works showcase youthful energy while also reflecting the anxieties, self-identity, and growth issues faced by contemporary youth in urban society.

Important Exhibitions and International Footprints

• In 2016, she held a solo exhibition titled "See Something Strange" at Artotel Thamrin in Jakarta.

• In 2020, she held a solo exhibition, "Perplexity Relation," at SH Artspace in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan, expanding her international visibility.

• Her recent solo exhibitions, “Distraction” and “Overpolluted”, at YOD Editions in Tokyo and Secret Fresh Gallery in Manila, showcase her transnational connections within the Asian art scene.

Awards and recognition

Muklay has received numerous accolades both domestically and internationally, including:

• Selected as one of Forbes Indonesia's 2020 "30 Under 30" outstanding individuals.

• Third place in the 2015 Indonesian Arts Awards.

• Best work award at the National Art Museum of Indonesia's "Nalar Sensani Seni" exhibition.

Muklay's work blends street energy, pop culture, and personal experience, showcasing a unique visual landscape belonging to the new generation in Southeast Asia. His outstanding performances in cross-disciplinary collaborations and international exhibitions have also made him one of the most watched young creators in contemporary Asian art.

Instagram: @muklay