Hermeneutika Filosofis Hans Georg Gadamer dalam Karya Museum of Dead Trees oleh Agus Heru Setiawan

Abstract

Photography has undergone significant development as both an art work and technological medium, giving rise to discourses that deepen the understanding of the underlying roles behind a photographic work. Agus Heru Setiawan, through his photographic work Museum of Dead Trees, presents a piece rich with meaning, communicating the relationship between humans and nature particularly plants. Through a curatorial process similar to that carried out in museums, Heru emphasizes the often overlooked role of plants in human life, especially in relation to environmental sustainability. His work, which highlights the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants, serves as an effective medium for conveying critical ideas. As part of contemporary photographic practice, this work articulates ecological concerns and ideas through a conceptual visual approach. Contemporary photography itself positions images as open interpretive spaces, exploring ideas, personal narratives, and socio-ecological issues in reflective and interpretive forms. Through Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics, Heru’s work is analyzed by considering the context behind its creation. This analysis reveals that the meaning of the work cannot be separated from the circumstances in which it was created, positioning Heru’s work as an active dialogue between the visual text and its interpreter.