Mulyana's Betty Series  offers a profound meditation on the fragility of marine ecosystems, symbolized through his use of recyclable materials and the color white. The choice of white evokes both the purity of a pristine ocean and the stark reminder of environmental degradation, such as coral bleaching. Mulyana invites viewers to reflect on the current state of our oceans and consider the possibility of a radical shift in our approach to environmental preservation.

The use of recyclable plastic packaging underscores Mulyana’s commitment to sustainability, transforming disposable materials into objects of beauty and significance. This act of repurposing speaks to the broader theme of transformation—how memories and past experiences can inspire new beginnings and a reimagined world that is whole and sustainable. His intricate depictions of coral and sea creatures celebrate marine life and issue a call to action, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and the urgent need to protect our environment.

Mulyana’s coral reef islands are meticulously crafted by hand, with each piece painstakingly crocheted from strands of recyclable plastic, creating stunning representations of marine biodiversity. His installations transform the gallery into an immersive, underwater landscape, engaging viewers on a visceral and emotional level. The collaborative nature of his studio practice, which depends on teamwork to realize a shared vision, mirrors the collective effort required to safeguard our environment.

On a macro level, Mulyana’s profound concern for the eroding environment and our collective lack of care for the natural world, parallels the importance of self-care on a micro level. His message encourages a holistic path to self-preservation amidst a chaotic and uncertain post-pandemic world. While Mulyana does not overtly reference gender and sexuality in his intricate installations, the diversity of his colorful environments and spectacular costumes allude to the fluidity of human identity. His commitment to promoting shared values emanates from his spiritual understanding of human dignity, an outlook that honors the totality of creation. By constructing elaborate, magical worlds, Mulyana hopes to ignite our collective imagination to cherish creation and reveal the beauty inside each of us. 

Masks and costumes are seminal expressions in many folkloric traditions that can signify heroic acts, define religious celebrations, channel spirits, or provide entertainment. Masks in particular are a metaphor for the facades we construct to conceal the ‘true self’ from our neighbors. For Mulyana the impulse behind the Adikara and Nayanika costumed figures is intended to achieve the opposite—for him, these  avatars  more accurately embody his personality than the Mogus characters are able to do. These figurative tableaus speak to the universal struggle of becoming comfortable in one's own skin and resonate profoundly as we grapple with this unprecedented era of isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic.

Mulyana’s work directly engages the audience: His immersive installations captivate viewers of all ages both with their fantastical portrayal of oceanic life and his attention to detail in the creation of his creatures. The enveloping experience underscores the precarious nature of complex ecosystems in the sea and examines the peril that this sanctuary is in, as a result of global pollution levels and climate change. Because of his commitment to sustainability,  Mulyana incorporates repurposed yarn and support materials in his process to minimize new industrial material production, as well as recycling parts of his installations into new projects.