Dadlan Afrelno make artworks After the body parts were x-ray scanned and then the x-ray results were photographed and digitally processed, Dadlan then photocopied them, creating a negative film (mal) and visualize them through etchings on acrylic sheet with engraving technique. The acrylic sheets with the bone image would later be on the third layer. On the second layer, Dadlan added
a color acrylic sheet in the form of body part that can be seen with the naked eyes (the feet, hands) and carved ornaments on it (as if henna decorations). While on the first layer, Dadlan imbued it with text etchings (data on his artwork), dot etchings for artistic elements and images of animals (butterflies and birds). From this artwork we can see that Dadlan traced back the acrylic layer placement in accordance to the position of the presented body part. The bone that lays in the inner part (which will be clearly seen because of the light effect), body part objects that are seen by the naked eyes, and other elements as additions. In this work it is as if Dadlan is presenting our body parts as a whole (the inner part-- bone,
the body part-- feet/hands, and outer part-- wrapping elements like a costume or other additional accessories). The interesting and different thing is when Dadlan consciously depicts the bone image by manual/handmade etching. The process did not only create a carving effect according to the x-ray results but the etching traces are very distinct and unique. Furthermore, he also added etching effects
for additional impression of the bone shape. Dadlan's imagination covered the reality of the x-ray result.
This process is the second time he processed reality (bones) that is hidden under the wrappings of muscles and skin, after the first time he created digital processing on the x-ray result. So the process is a little complicated: the bone visualization is depicted through the x-ray technique, and then the digital processing (to make it clearer-- considered to be reality in perception) and finally re-processed manually
to add up imaginations (which are difficult to be seen).
From all the exhibited artworks, Dadlan essentially 'only' wished to bring his imagination forth. This
personal imaginations are pushed closer the the audience by using human bones that is felt to have
general meanings/memories. Although, what is shown through the x-ray results or the etched carvings
are not the actual realities. They are imageries created to get closer to reality.