Machyar Kumbang, an American artist of academic classicism. He is a painter, sculptor, etcher, and poet. Machyar is of an Indonesian descent and was born into an orthodox Muslim household. After completing trade school, he received a full scholarship to study art at Maine College of Art in the United States. Later, he became an American citizen.
Machyar founded the Kumbang Foundation in Virginia, which aims to harness the power of art, champion liberty, and promote social justice.
Machyar personally witnessed the detrimental effects of religious extremism on the Muslim community. He observed how Sharia law in Aceh, Indonesia, where he grew up, has led to societal decline, inadequate education, and the suppression of freedom of thought. These circumstances have resulted in oppressive local governance that hinders human flourishing despite the region’s abundant resources. Machyar believes that Sharia law is not intended to bring enlightenment and progress to the Muslim community, but rather to perpetuate darkness and disorder. He argues that Islamic law has historically been used to exploit the ummah, trapping generations of Muslims in mental bondage. Islam arrived in the region of Aceh centuries ago, and Machyar contends that it was initially introduced with the intention of causing harm. He asserts that religious falsehoods were propagated, leading to ignorance and perpetuating violence in the name of God.
Islamic fascism, hatred, and antisemitism are the core beliefs of Islamic orthodoxy. In the spirit of Islamic traditions, Islamists exploit the weaknesses of secular governments, regardless of their social or economic structure, to influence and subjugate open societies under the guise of expanding Islamic imperialism. As Americans who cherish liberty, freedom of religion, and our industrious nature, we can no longer afford to passively observe and hope for the best. Our democracy and the rule of law are at stake. It’s crucial to recognize that Islamists lack respect for democracy and high art (sculptures and paintings that depict forms). Consequently, creations inspired by the High Renaissance are also at risk, as are music, theatrical productions, movies, and creative writing, such as novels by various authors that express their thoughts and critiques of religious dogmas and societal mistreatment. All these forms of expression and dialogue are under threat.
Islamism or Islam as an ideology disregards human rights and our shared humanity. Therefore, our American liberty, democracy, and the rule of law hold immense importance.
To view Machyar’s portfolio online, please visit mkfinearts.com or Instagram (instagram.com/machyarkumbang).
