Layering Gang kelinci, Gudskul, Jakarta Indonesia

 

Title: Layering Gang Kelinci @Gudskul, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Medium: silk screen and heat press
Material: found plastic Year: 2023

Layering Gang Kelinci: Symbiosis of Culture and Plastic Consciousness

"Layering Gang Kelinci: Symbiosis of Culture and Plastic Consciousness" transcends typical artistic boundaries, offering an immersive and transformative experience at Gudskul. This exhibition intricately merges environmental consciousness with cultural exploration, enriching the ongoing discourse on the interplay between art, culture, and environmental responsibility. It targets art enthusiasts, environmental activists, the local community, and cultural scholars.

During a memorable motorcycle excursion with Adi, a Gudskul guard, I was invited into his village residence near Gudskul. As we journeyed through the village, we embarked on a collection of discarded plastics. These plastics, once considered waste, became the foundation of my art. Through innovative techniques like silk screening mixed with heat pressing, these salvaged plastics metamorphosed into captivating artworks showcased at the Gudskul exhibition space.

The exhibition features interactive installations and sensory experiences, engaging the audience in a dialogue about environmental sustainability and cultural narratives. Visitors can touch and feel the textures of the transformed plastics, participate in interactive displays, and immerse themselves in the sensory elements of the exhibition.

"Layering Gang Kelinci" aligns harmoniously with Gudskul's ethos—a collaborative learning hub and contemporary art ecosystem spearheaded by Jakarta's art collectives: ruangrupa, Serrum, and Grafis Huru Hara (GHH). Since the early 2000s, these collectives have championed collective and collaborative practices in contemporary art. United by values like equity, sharing, solidarity, friendship, and unity, these collectives established a shared space in 2015 to advance the vibrancy of art and culture, igniting creative initiatives within the wider community.

In tandem with this cooperative outlook, an inventive platform emerged through festival organization and seminar curations, notably showcased in the immersive event series dubbed Stateless Mind by Jambatan collective, which I co-founded in Copenhagen. This initiative resonates with my personal artistic practice while mirroring Gudskul’s collaborative ethos. Tailored for diaspora artists in the Nordic regions, this thoughtful initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing artistic interaction, cultural dialogues, and creative empowerment across diverse artistic spheres.

By intertwining environmental advocacy, cultural exploration, and community engagement, "Layering Gang Kelinci" bridges with Gudskul to shape a cultural environment steeped in inclusivity, collaboration, and artistic resonance.

https://youtu.be/Hy8ww9tIJZ0

 

Installation view of the exhibition

 

 
close up of the artwork

 

Adi on his motorbike

 

Interview session at Ruru Radio, Gudskul

 

Gudskul-a place surrounded by cafes, studios, concert hall and artist residency.

Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane

Title: Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane @Edinburg Print, Scotland in 2023 
Medium:  Silk Screen on atlas

In the Margin: Navigating Displacement as a Diaspora Artist

It's simply by accident that I stumbled into being part of the group exhibition called "In the Margin", which took place at Edinburgh Print in Scotland. As COVID restrictions eased after two years, I was eager to unleash the creative energy that had been building up. The theme of displacement resonated deeply with me, a diaspora artist constantly navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.

Journey to the Exhibition

In my quest for artistic residencies, I discovered Fyns Grafiske Værksted in Odense, Denmark. This city holds a special place in my heart, as I had previously worked on a school project there. Odense, with its rich history and connection to HC Andersen, felt like a familiar yet new adventure. Despite my hesitations about speaking Danish, I decided to call the residency program, leading to a fruitful conversation with Lene, who runs the place.

Challenges and Memorable Moments

During my residency, I faced the challenge of working with new techniques and materials. However, the experience was enriched by collaborating with Birgitte Lyng Andersen. Her openness to experimentation allowed me to explore new artistic avenues and push the boundaries of my work.

Artistic Techniques and Processes

The "Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane" series emerged from this residency. I employed silk screen techniques, integrating photo-performance elements with maps and text. The use of old atlas pages as backgrounds symbolized the ever-changing boundaries and spaces we navigate. The prints featured images of me holding or wearing objects that shape my identity, such as a mortar, globe, luggage bag, and rice cooker.

Thematic Exploration

Displacement, both voluntary and forced, has been a recurring theme in my work. While I moved to Denmark out of love, the feeling of being 'displaced' still lingers. This series explores the idea of home, identity, and belonging in times of uncertainty. It seeks to understand what it means to be human and an artist amidst constant change.

Conclusion

My residency at Fyns Grafiske Værksted and participation in the "In the Margin" exhibition have profoundly impacted my artistic journey. It provided a platform to delve deeper into the theme of displacement and express my experiences as a diaspora artist. I invite you to explore this journey with me and reflect on the intricate layers of identity and belonging.

https://edinburghprintmakers.co.uk/in-from-the-margins/
https://fynsgv.dk/nyheder/
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2020/06/05/denmark-based-amir-zainorin-takes-multiplicity-to-surreal-heights-in-lockdown-photo-series