Saleh Husein, (b; Jeddah, 1982) studied painting in the Jakarta Art Institute. By using an ever-growing archive of found documents to create autonomous artworks, Husein absorbs the tradition of remembrance art into daily practice. This personal follow-up and revival of a past tradition is important as an act of meditation. His drawings are an investigation into authenticity and objectivity. He uses an encyclopedic approach and quasi-scientific precision and by referencing documentaries, ‘fact-fiction’ and popular scientific equivalents. By contesting the division between the realm of memory and the realm of experience, he reflects on the closely related subjects of archive and memory. This often results in an examination of both the human need for ‘conclusive’ stories and the question of whether anecdotes ‘fictionalize’ history.
Saleh Husein had his first solo show in 2012 and has been participating in highly profiled exhibitions and art events since. Among others, he has been included in the Jakarta Biennial 2009 and 2013, the 25 year anniversary exhibition of Cemeti Art House, Roppongi Art Night, Japan, and Manifesto: a collaborative exhibition with two artist From Darwin, Australia. In addition to his career as an artist, Saleh is widely known as a guitarist for the bands White Shoes & The Couples Company, and The Adams. Saleh Husein currently lives and works in Jakarta.
