It is always fascinating to dissect an artist’s mind and examine how his or her creative juices flow. Of course I meant this as a metaphor. While some art pieces are created to look pretty, there are those that carry stories and messages that originate from intriguing minds.
Our latest artistic muse, Eman or more notably known as his street moniker Clogtwo, is one who always has a story to tell. Gaining more recognition for his commissioned works lately, Clogtwo has also achieved a personal milestone with the recent release of his first book – Machine Mouth: The Book & Art of Clogtwo.
The more we get to know Eman, the more we understand why he has become a darling in the scene of street art. Highly respected by fellow artists and peers in the scene for his talent, Eman keeps a low-profile while staying focused on creating signature masterpieces. Not surprisingly, he is also adored for his amiable and humble nature.
As we found out, it is not simple to encapsulate him in a nutshell even as we tried to rummage through his mind, so here’s the gifted artist in his own words.
Nookmag (N): Hey Eman, thanks for taking time to talk to us. Could you share with us what Machine Mouth is all about and what it represents?
Eman (E): ‘Machine Mouth’ is a metaphoric name that comes from a scientific underground experiment engineered by a group of scientists in search of the anti-matter atom called the GOD Particle – a singular particle that will prove the Big Bang theory, the birth of our universe. The process of obtaining this unstable atom requires the splitting of molecules and if by any chance it reacts with another matter, it will create a huge explosion on earth, imploding the whole universe into a black hole and regenerating a whole new galaxy. This scientific experiment of mankind acting as God, recreating life out of curiosity has its limit from where man and God stands.
In my new body of works, I explore the mechanical system through social and life experiences based on the country’s ‘good’ intention, showcasing the disturbed mind of suppressed thoughts into a visual mayhem.
The book, Machine Mouth, is like a colossal machine programmed to deconstruct and reassemble. It allows me to have a better understand in life for what I’ve looked past and took advantage of, and it represents my hope to see life in a clearer view.
N: How was the process of developing the book?
E: Machine Mouth took six years in the making – I had to compile all the past works I had and scan them one by one. I was honoured to have Inkten as a layout designer of the book. Given her expertise in graphic design, I gave her the freedom of experimenting, just like how the concept should be – an experiment to find oneself. The idea of the book is to portray a similar style as a holy book. A book that showcases guidance, passage and ways of teaching.
N: How has your art evolved since the start?
E: I guess Machine Mouth will reveal the secrets and answers to my ‘evolution’. The visuals in the book signifies the autobiography of my style.
N: What’s your take on the art scene now?
E: I visited Yogyakarta, Indonesia in April. The art culture has grown so much and the support from the locals are outstanding. My apologies for comparing, but the art scene here is barely cracking the surface. And from what I’ve heard from the RSCLS collective, they are trying to help untangle that knot.
N: Which inspiring artists do you admire?
E: Nychos, Aryz and Saner.
N: What else is in the pipeline for you and how will your art progress from here?
E: In God’s will, a new series of work has already been nurtured in the Clog’s nursery farm. And next year will mark my tenth year as graffiti practitioner.
Photos and Video by Sulhan S
