Bayu Utomo Radjikin’s first solo exhibition since his return from a two year stint in the UK, consists of two bodies of works, 15 pieces that were created during his time spent in London, and a further 10 paintings that were subsequently made in Kuala Lumpur on his return. An artist who is profoundly affected by his surroundings, it is apparent that there is a distinct difference between the works that were executed in the UK and those done in Malaysia.

A shift was already evident from the first few pieces he made while in London. ‘Angel’ and ‘All Saints’, which were painted in reaction towards the terrorist attacks on the London transport system in July 2005, display the deep impact the incident had on him. These two paintings and the ones that followed, are introspective yet possess a freedom about them that is indicative of the way the artist felt as a Malaysian in Europe, questioning identity, integrating into a new society, and weighing up the differences between the familiar and the unknown . The London pieces are a refreshing body of works by Bayu Utomo Radjikin, akin to the break that his sojourn to London afforded him.
Settling back into life at home had its fair share of ups and downs. Within his comfort zone again, Bayu’s new works are akin to the rediscovery of an old ‘friend’, with references drawn from some of his earlier experiences and works.

This exhibition, which is aptly entitled, ‘Mind the Gap’, clearly demonstrates the impact that his environment has had on the creation of his works.