Heri Dono:
Fermentation of the Mind
Heri Dono:
Fermentation of the Mind
25 Oct 2026
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Heri Dono’s kinetic installation Fermentation of the Mind (1992–1993) resembles a classroom, featuring rows of old wooden desks topped with white fibreglass heads. When activated by a pedal, the heads nod in unison and emit distorted chanting sounds. The work is inspired by Indonesia’s sociopolitical landscape in the early 1990s, particularly the state’s influence on public opinion and independent thought through propaganda. Drawing on the rich Javanese tradition of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), Dono uses satire to reflect on history, society, and culture.
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Heri Dono: Fermentation of the Mind, 2026. © Heri Dono. Photo: Wilson Lam © M+, Hong Kong
‘Fermentation of the Mind’ by Heri Dono
Heri Dono. Fermentation of the Mind, 1992–1993. Fibreglass and recycled parts; wooden desks, metal supports, books, cassette tapes, and electronics, overall: 600 x 600 x 100 cm. M+, Hong Kong. © Heri Dono. Photo: courtesy of Museum de Fundatie
Heri Dono. Fermentation of the Mind, 1992–1993. Fibreglass and recycled parts; wooden desks, metal supports, books, cassette tapes, and electronics, overall: 600 x 600 x 100 cm. M+, Hong Kong. © Heri Dono. Photo: courtesy of Museum de Fundatie
Image at top: Heri Dono. Fermentation of the Mind, 1992–1993. Fibreglass and recycled parts; wooden desks, metal supports, books, cassette tapes, and electronics, overall: 600 x 600 x 100 cm. M+, Hong Kong. © Heri Dono. Photo: courtesy of Museum de Fundatie