“Mogus” is the alter-ego of Indonesian textile artist Mulyana. The name is an acronym blending “monster” with the Indonesian word for octopus (gurita) and the artist’s family name, Sigarantang. Mulyana’s Mogus creations have many eyes and vary in size, color, facial expressions and number of swirling tentacles.
Crocheted from colorful, bulky yarn and knitted pompoms, this Mogus was designed to hang from the ceiling – to appear as though drifting through the ocean – as part of a life-size installation incorporating Mogus with Mulyana’s other crocheted sea creatures and coral beds inspired by marine life.
Mulyana began crocheting sculptures in 2006 as a form of spiritual meditation and prayer to show gratitude. The artist uses crochet because it offers flexibility to create sturdy shapes and can be done anywhere. He chose the octopus because it has “many hands” that can do “various good things.”
Mulyana strives to empower others with practical skills to earn a living. He collaborates with homemakers and a community of transgender women in Yogyakarta to produce his installations, which have been exhibited worldwide.
Mulyana is also committed to sustainability and frequently uses surplus factory-produced polyester and acrylic yarn. His installations often feature environmental issues to encourage viewers to protect nature and its resources. Recent works feature Mogus rallying the underwater community to embrace harmony, diversity and mutual respect. Mulyana perceives art as a place to share imagination.
