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.

Dear Helle...

 

Title: Dear Helle
Medium: Installation @Immigrant Museum Farum, Denmark
Materials: Postcards and pins

Year: 2014

Dear Helle: An Interactive Installation at the Immigrant Museum, Farum, Denmark

In 2014, the Immigrant Museum in Farum, Denmark, hosted a compelling installation titled Dear Helle. This unique artwork featured two images of the former Danish Prime Minister, Helle Thorning Schmidt, adorned with hundreds of postcards meticulously pinned to the museum's wall. These postcards were a collection amassed over the years from cultural hubs and restaurants in Copenhagen, creating a rich tapestry of public sentiment and cultural dialogue.

Visitor Engagement

The installation was designed to be interactive, encouraging museum visitors to engage actively by writing postcards to the Prime Minister throughout the exhibition's duration. This engagement fostered a sense of participation and personal connection, allowing visitors to voice their thoughts and feelings directly to a political figure.

Collaboration with Trampoline House

In collaboration with Trampoline House, an independent community center offering support to refugees and asylum seekers in Copenhagen, workshops were organized where participants could share their experiences and challenges. These workshops were a platform for refugees to articulate the unbearable challenges of living in refugee camps, creating heartfelt messages that were later compiled and sent to the Prime Minister. This collaboration highlighted the voices of those often marginalized, bringing their stories to the forefront of public consciousness.

Messages to the Prime Minister

The postcards collected during the exhibition were not just symbolic; they were a direct line of communication to the Prime Minister. After the exhibition concluded, these messages were dispatched to Helle Thorning Schmidt's office, ensuring that the voices of the participants and visitors were heard at the highest levels of government.

Migrant Interviews

Adding another layer to the installation, videos showcasing interviews with migrants detailed their experiences living in Denmark. These personal narratives provided a poignant backdrop to the postcards, offering deeper insight into the lives and struggles of migrants. The interviews were a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of those who have sought refuge in Denmark.

Thematic Essence

The essence of Dear Helle revolves around the fleeting nature of existence, as its original form could only be observed and experienced within the exhibition's temporal confines. The utilization of postcards symbolizes transparency and signifies a period of transition—a tangible marker of change amidst the rapid evolution towards a digitized era characterized by swift technological advancements.

Impact and Response

The installation elicited emotional responses from museum visitors and the general public. Many were moved by the personal stories and the opportunity to engage directly with a political figure. The emotional impact of the artwork was profound, resonating deeply with those who experienced it.

Conclusion

Dear Helle stands as a significant contribution to the discourse on migration and political engagement. By combining visual art, personal narratives, and direct political communication, the installation created a powerful platform for dialogue and reflection. It underscored the importance of giving a voice to the marginalized and highlighted the potential of art to influence and inspire societal change.