Yarn – and an Artist’s Life – Reimagined at the Wang Center

World-renowned play crochet artist Mulyana (Mang Moel) spoke about his current exhibition, Yarnscapes, at the Charles B. Wang Center. Photo by John Griffin.

Bullied as a child for dancing, and taunted for being 'different' as a young male who loved to knit and crochet, Mulyana (Mang Moel) has spent much of his 40 years pursuing his passions and "breaking through stereotypes" to become the world-renowned play crochet artist he is today.

Mulyana spoke about his current exhibition at the Charles B. Wang Center, "Yarnscapes: Mulyana's Environmental Tapestries," on October 24.

Wang Center Director of Asian Art and Culture Jinyoung Jin introduced Mulyana to a room full of captivated crochet enthusiasts and all-around art lovers in Lecture Hall 1. "Mulyana's work invites us into a world where ordinary materials - like yarn - are transformed into extraordinary, vibrant textile landscapes. Mulyana is an extraordinary artist whose work redefines the boundaries of crochet and textile art."

Jin added, "What sets Mulyana apart is his ability to bring a sense of playfulness and depth to his art, while also challenging us to reconsider the potential of what we often view as ordinary. His work is not only visually captivating but also speaks to larger themes of sustainability and the beauty of repurposing materials, making his art both timely and timeless."

Mulyana shared that his art stems from an interest in other "modular" types of creativity, such as the Indonesian version of Legos, which allows him to continue to enlarge and evolve the scope of each of his projects, piece by piece. "In my work, modularity allows individual elements to be detached, combined and reassembled," he explained. "This not only provides flexibility in how the artwork is displayed, but also enhances the viewer's experience as they witness its transformation in different configurations."

Participatory engagement, environmental themes and marine life define his dazzling, colorful and often playful art. "I want viewers to not only observe the artwork but also touch, feel and sometimes even change it. This participatory element invites them to become part of the creative process."

On a personal level, Mulyana explained that beyond serving as a "best friend" to him throughout his lifetime, "The crochet technique I use is not merely an artistic process; it's a direct extension of my body. Every stitch and knot represents a physical interaction between me and the materials, creating a deep connection between my body and the artwork I produce."

Mulyana's Environmental Tapestries is on exhibition at the Wang Center through December 10.

- Ellen Cooke

Photos by John Griffin, Dennis Murray and Ellen Cooke:

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