☞ On The Road. Again.
Traffic. This is perhaps Jakarta’s most infamous feature. Horrible, mind-bendingly frustrating, traffic. Cars inching forward as motorcycles claw their way past you, every day. It becomes such a normal part of your day, that once you escape from that tangled mess of congested streets and exhaust-scented air, normal roads with flowing traffic seem glorious.
So here is my homage to open roads and functional highways. It’s poetry in motion.
☞ New Exhibit. New Folder.
Inkubator Gallery has a new exhibition up entitled New Folder, featuring works by 4 emerging photographers from Jogja’s MES56, it’s an exhibit that was created over the course of a year and explores contemporary photography in a fresh and engaging way.
Aderi Putra Wicaksono and his work
Aderi Putra Wicaksono’s Animal Series presents us with four photographs, each consisting of groups of people forming animal figures. Painstakingly choreographed, the photographs are detached from the everyday function of photography (i.e. documentation of an event), and serve instead as mindful compositions of a fabricated occurrence.
Andri William's Similarity Series
Andri William also uses his camera to present us with a manipulated reality. His series, Similarity, consists of four pairs of prints, each depicting what at first looks like a snapshots of an ordinary individual, but is then revealed to be deceptive, as each print has a virtually identical counterpart by its side. Andri’s work explores the meaning and associated implications of identity and create an overt awareness of just how misleading those perceptions can be.
Arief Pristianto (center) and his work.
Arief Pristianto takes us in a different direction with his Invisible series. In each of Arief’s photographs a camouflaged model is hiding in plain sight. Using the same technique as iconic artist Liu Bolin (where a person is painted into the background of a photograph), Arief juxtaposes a camouflaged person with a common profession, to highlight how they too are marginalized. Arief equates marginalization with invisibility as those sidelined by society become invisible; stripped of their individuality and seen only in terms of the service they perform/provide.
Yudha Kusuma Putra (center) & his Family series.
Yudha Kusuma Putra takes a much different approach in his work. Yudha’s Family Series articulates a narrative that is at once personal and heartfelt. His photographs portray a family member (mother, father, or brother) as the central figure in portraits that capture their everyday activities and passions. Warm and insightful, each photograph is as much an homage as it is a portrait.
Inkubator’s fifth exhibition explores our notions of identity and reality. None of the works were happenstance snapshots. Each was a carefully crafted portrayal of a reality/narrative that the artist fully controlled. New Folder is a contemplative exhibit that will leave you chatting about the works long after you’ve left the gallery.
☞ For more Information:
☞ Enjoying Sweet Agony
Saturday night marked the opening of Dia.lo.gue Gallery’s Sweet Agony exhibition. Dia.lo.gue is a clever name as in Bahasa Dia=he/she, lo= an expression of surprise , and gue=I. Not only was there great art to be seen, but there was also an open-air market, where artsy goodies were in abundance.
A central componet to the show was the reliance on one’s visual heritage as a compositional tool. Photorealist painter, Tomy Mackel Tori Nelwan, showcased two canvases, each a portrait of a postcard he received from a dear friend. The acrylic-on-canvas works are painted to scale, and only upon careful inspection does the viewer perceive them to be paintings of postcards, and not actual postcards taped to canvases.
Evan Driyananda and Attina Nuraini (artists behind the moniker Recycle Experience) also exhibited work that requires scrutiny to fully discern the exact nature of the piece. Their sculpture, Journey, Fiction and Reality, consists of a robot bird-like creature composed of CD’s, circuit boards, plastic cups and other items we might readily discard on a daily basis. The creature is suspended from the ceiling, appearing in flight with a small animal hanging from its beak by chains. Each item that comprises the piece has been separated from its original purpose, creating a visual experience where form trumps function and where even plastic forks can entertain robotic possibility. Journey, Fiction and Reality is a truly imaginative and finely-crafted artwork.
The largest piece in the exhibition was a wall hanging titled, Vulva. This mixed media piece, by G.H.O.S.T. (Yasmina Yustiviani and Agra Satria) is one where a plexiglass Javanese dragon head sits atop of a textile body, a colorful custom cloth ikat dreamscape that depicts alphabet magnets flowing into a neon green and pink pelvic skeleton, touching down on a landscape where a sequined Mickey Mouse frolics with a black bird with a human skull, and a benign white animal head. The work engages the viewer in a conversation about the commodification of female power, a relevant topic in the modern Indonesian femmenist dialogue. Rooted in cultural metaphor and delving into social discourse, it’s a striking piece both in its execution and pertinent theme.
Sweet Agony is an engaging exhibition that should not be missed. Each work is remarkable and vibrant, just like the venue itself.
☞ For More information on Dia.lo.gue or G.H.O.S.T. Please Visit:
Special Feature ☞ Bierkko
Recently I had the chance to sit down with the crafty masterminds behind Bierkko, to find out how they are able to turn ordinary objects into amazing finds. Bierkko is a team effort made up of two brothers (Trias Afiandy and Syahrul Mulia) and two sisters (Nevi and Yorika Rotorasiko) who share an appreciation of vintage objects and a talent for seeing aesthetic possibility in items that most of us would take for granted. Together they produce lighting and accessories with an industrial look and a vintage feel.
The Bierkko Team ☞ Sisters Nevi and Yorika Rotorasiko design the accessories. Brothers Trias Afiandy and Syahrul Mulia work on product design.
Nevi describes their inspiration as stemming from, “Picasso and the philosophy that imperfection is perfection…we try to make something beautiful with something that people don’t see as beautiful.” You can see this creative exploration of materials in such pieces as their, “Nocturnal Hung” light where the lightbulb is protected by casing that was once part of a microphone, or their multifunctional “Ricter Table” in which the sliding table top sits atop of a safe (perfect for hiding those precious snacks!). Their work is playful yet astutely functional–a formula that has kept them busy with individuals and businesses alike keen to acquire their work.
The Bierkko Workshop
Sitting in their workshop, surrounded by their industrial parts and prototypes, it’s easy to see why the team is in heavy demand. Their bracelets and necklaces, created from clips, cord, key chain parts and even bolts and brass hinges are reminders that you don’t need great wealth to have great personal style. Just as their lighting fosters and edgy atmosphere, their accessories too create an air of industrial drama, that is at once charming and alluring.
Since their inception in 2010 Bierkko has entertained considerable success, but Trias notes, “we’ve exceeded our expectations but we still have a lot of obstacles, as we make everything ourselves.” Nevi adds, “In the future we hope to hire people. It’s hard to create and manufacture products with just the four of us….plus we have day jobs.” But, even though the team is busy they still have their eye on the future and hope to one day expand into the realm of furniture and fashion. It’s a plan I hope they complete sooner rather than later as this team’s savvy use of material and well-developed sense of style is one I’m sure many will be eager to obtain.
☞ For more on Bierkko please visit….
☞ Smoking Joe’s Comes to Town
Living in Jakarta, I thought the arrival of Fat Burger would be the pinnacle for satisfying those cravings for great food, from the homeland, that arise now and again. And I was happy with that. Fat Burger is awesome.
So, imagine my unabashed delight when I heard that Smoking Joe’s BBQ was opening its first overseas franchise, right here in Jakarta. But, my joy was quickly tempered by thoughts of halal restrictions and pork substitutes adulterating what is basically a legitimate food group where I come from (you know, dairy, fruit, veggies, grains and BBQ…everyone can appreciate that, right?).
Thus I went to Smoking Joe’s Grand Opening at The East Building in Mega Kuningan filled with optimism, and, trepidation…those who has been deprived of their native sustenance can relate to the roller coaster of emotion that such hope can trigger.
As we arrived pretty waitresses with trays of appetizers were making their way through the crowd of hungry and curious Jakartans that had also come out to give the new venue a fair shake. Smoking Joe’s did not disappoint. I tried the Flour Tortilla Pizza (although I didn’t want to waste my appetite’s bandwidth on this one, but to preserve my journalistic integrity I figured I should give it a try. It was delicious, but this is a city where great pizza is easy to find…) and it was good, the BBQ Chicken Wings were also a tasty find, but the BBQ Slider was the clear champion in the appetizer category. The tangy and sweet BBQ sauce smothered on tender BBQ chicken in a soft bun, was heavenly. The flavor took me right back to backyard BBQs and family picnics, the likes of which I haven’t experienced since moving overseas. Yes, it was that good.
Soon the place was packed and the queue for the BBQ buffet was long. Having filled up on the appetizers I tried my best to find space to accommodate the BBQ ribs, which were tender and delicious, but alas, I am only one person. I did my best. Budweiser too, was a friend at the party I hadn’t seen for a while. Cold and refreshing it was definitely a sight for sore eyes.
Overall I am happy to report that Smoking Joe’s fulfilled my BBQ fantasy. With a promise of more live music and uncompromising standards, I am looking forward to filling those nutritional deficits with copious amounts of smoked BBQ and ice-cold beer.
☞ Smoking Joe’s BBQ & Lounge
The East * Mega Kuningan
☞ Staying ConnecTED
Yesterday marked the first University-based TEDx event in Indonesia. TED brings together people from the technology, entertainment and/or design realms and gives them a forum to share their stories of dedication and success. Each speaker gets 18 minutes to inspire audience members through their tales of overcoming obstacles and in turn enjoying the kind of success that comes only to those who dare to dream big and work hard.
Students at UI put together a five-hour event that showcased a handful of videos from the TED.COM website interspersed with five speakers who were either a student, a faculty member or an alumnus of the institution. The selected speakers elaborated on a variety of topics each with their own creative spin. Metta Anggriani spoke of Yoga’s ability to change the world, UI undergraduate Naufal Fileindi shared his passion for law and his dedication to making it accessible to all, while Sigit Kusumawijaya asked the audience to imagine a better society through environmental sensitivity, and UI marching band teacher Teguh Darmawan gave a beautiful and poignant trumpet performance.
UI’s TEDx event resonated with all who attended, leaving audience members motivated to create positive change within their own personal spheres of influence. Like laughter, passion too is contagious. It’s a concept that TED fosters and promotes through their online database of over 600 videos, through TED events (which are organized and presented by TED), and by TEDx events-like this one-which use the principles and videos of TED, but are independently conceived and organized.
Yudhi Widdyantoro talks with students. TEDx speaker Metta Anggriani in action.
I also had the great pleasure of meeting several attendees whose own social activism and work was greatly inspiring. Yudhi Widdyantoro holds Social Yoga gatherings each Sunday at Menteng’s Suropati Park. There he teaches yoga asking only for a donation, which he uses to help victims of natural disasters.
Aditya Mahendra is a student at UI and is also the Public Relations Director for an organization he helped found. His organization, called Berburu Center, envisions “a cultured Indonesia” and has some 60 volunteers reaching out to elementary school students each Saturday, with the goal of inspiring learning rather than mandating it.
And finally Royhan Benasetya is the kind of teacher you rarely find in today’s high schools. His charisma and complete dedication to building self-confidence in his students becomes clear the minute he starts talking about his passion for teaching. Royhan asserts that when teachers cultivate a love of learning and a dedication to the pursuit of knowledge in their students, their students will go very far in life.
UI’s TEDx event was a great success with a turnout of over 100 people. It was an amazing experience and one I hope to repeat in the near future, as UI students are already hard at work envisioning their next TEDx event.
The Organizers, Speakers, & Audience.
For More Information:
☞ TED.COM
☞ https://www.facebook.com/TEDxUI
☞ Where The Goods are Great
Head Chef Erlene Susanto, her staff, and an eager customer
Head of Business Development, Chris Kerrigan
Great shopping fused with delicious food is an outstanding combination, and one that can be found at The Goods Dept. Located in Plaza Indonesia Ex, The Goods Dept. is a locus for upcoming stars and notable names in the local fashion scene.
With minimalist sensibilities and an appreciation for fun detail, The Goods Dept. is a great place to find something wholly unique with unmatched quality and long-lasting appeal. Take for instance the candy colored, animal shaped rings by Mono. They capture your attention because of their appealing color, but upon closer inspection, they surprise you with their roaring, bear-head shape. Such fun items are bound to become beloved signature pieces.
Here you can also find great necklaces by Ghost Bones, colorful (and comfortable!) shoes by Melissa, and slouchy yet loveable purses by Janesville. And since home is where the art is, you can also score great contemporary housewares and furnishings that will make your space one of a kind.
Pick up cool lamps by Silla or a multifunctional coffee table by AEDI. Each item in their housewares collection is infused with a cool functionality that makes it worth spending a little more than you otherwise might. Afterall, it isn’t everyday that you can take home a room divider with a description that declares it “both functional and soothing.”
But if shopping isn’t your forte, or you carry with you extra weight, that needs to be placated while you shop (i.e. a kiddo, or significant other), then it is The Goods Cafe that will be the true highlight of your day. Accommodating hungry shoppers and food-loving hipsters, The Goods Cafe has a well-rounded menu that is deliciously unique.
Head Chef, Erlene Susanto wanted to create a menu that was, “appealing yet not overwhelming.” She has mindfully balanced local favorites with new concepts and created menu that inspires her customers to try something new. It’s a perceptive course of action, and one that only a Jakarta native could master. And, with an ever evolving menu The Goods Cafe customers can look forward to coming back for more tasty finds. Erlene notes, “I try to change the menu every 4 months to keep the customers engaged and excited about trying new things.” It’s an intriguing and possibly addictive strategy. We will definitely stay tuned to see what Erlene has in store.
☞ The GOODS Dept.
Plaza Indonesia Extension L4 #14
Jl. M.H. Thamrin KAV 28-30, Jakarta 10350
☞ And for even more GOODS reading:
http://chuzailiving.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/the-goods-department-plaza-indonesia/
☞ Right in Our Own Backyard
Rizal & his work
The Scene.
Pak Priyanto at work
Works by Rizal Fadillah
If you’ve ever been to the Kite Museum here in Jakarta, you know that it is an enchanting place where you can make your own little kite, as well as learn about the history and practice of creating the paper creatures. The beautiful open spaces and pavilions which allow hordes of school children and tourists alike, space to learn the craft, sat dormant after business hours. But, the potential to turn this largely open space into a venue for artists to showcase their work did not go unnoticed by the owner of the museum, Ibu Endang Ernawati, or her son Radityo Puspoyo.
Thus Backyard was born. Aptly named, as this lush space sits in back of the museum’s main office. Last Saturday, Backyard held its second opening, titled Jendela Eksibisionis (“Window Exhibition”) and featured short-film screenings, Music by Freedom of Choice, MySecretIdentity and Sapphira Singgih, as well as Paintings and installations by Rizal Fadillah, Priyanto P. and Natasha Estelle. It was a multidimensional event with something for everyone, and cold beer to keep the heat at bay.
Laced through the trees were windows of all kinds each decorated in a unique style. These windows were formed out of found objects and discarded window frames and gave the venue a whimsical charm. While the main Pavillion held Rizal Fadillah’s exhibition titled, Mudah Retak! (“Frangible!”). The mixed media paintings were dark and haunting portraits of young women in pain. With a focus on the eyes, because as Rizal explains, “The eyes can’t lie” each girl conveyed the profound agony of suffering a broken spirit. “Everyone is breakable” noted Rizal. And the concept that one who is emotionally broken, will in turn feel useless, is one that runs deep in each work. Rizal confided, “Before you paint you must cut off your head, and use only your heart”. This emphasis on emotion and concentration on communicating extreme anguish produces a visceral response in the viewer, who can’t help but vicariously experience the subject’s inner torment too.
While his paintings communicate emotional pain, his installations deal with the physical side of suffering. Rizal’s mixed media sculptures concentrated on the kind of suffering that is specific to women. Graphic and violent in nature, these works consist of mannequin heads each damaged and manipulated in an unsettling yet symbolic way. Cracked or broken, impaled or half buried, these mannequin heads speak of human cruelty and the dark side of the female experience.
Priyanto, who is Museum Layang Layang’s resident artist, focused on lighter subject matter for his work . Inspired by nature, the acrylic painting depicted ants working communally to convey the notion of “Gotong Royong” (working together). This work too spoke of the human condition, here articulating that by working together for a common good, much can be accomplished.
And much was accomplished at this exhibition, where the soulful artworks combined with the sultry ballads by Sapphira Singgih and melodious rock by MySecretIdentiy, and remarkable short films, proved a great way to spend a saturday night.
Ibu Endang Ernawati & the bands.
For More Information:
Backyard at Museum Layang Layang
Jl H. Kamang No. 38
☞ https://www.facebook.com/mysecretidentity?sk=info#!/mysecretidentity?sk=wall
☞ https://www.facebook.com/people/Sapphira-Singgih/694491357
Agnes Monica Makes It Happen
Tomorrow night Indonesian superstar Agnes Monica will give a talk at @ America on a project very near to her heart. “Dream, Believe, Make it Happen” has been the mantra of sorts for this 24- year-old, whose many accomplishments combined with her pragmatic, unassuming and sensible nature make her at once a refreshing role model and wise mentor for today’s youth .
Agnes articulates, “I have met a lot of talented Indonesians, but somehow, a lot of them settle for mediocrity. They become unwilling to take it to the next level. Circumstances somewhat forced them to believe that this is the best they can get, and to dream is the same as arrogance.” Agnes knows exactly what this aspersion feels like, as she walked this same path early in her career when people mistook the confidence she had in her own potential for pretentiousness. With the wisdom and unwavering support of her mother, Agnes learned to ignore such criticism instead of indulging it, believing that in the end the quality of her work and longevity of her career would disclose the true nature of her character.
Agnes explains that once she mastered this concept, “That’s when I thought, I have a moral obligation to share with people, especially young kids/teenagers in Indonesia, that everything starts with dreams and visions. I had proved it already and wanted to show them how struggles/problems are what make us stronger. That we need those to build our strong foundation.”
Agnes believes that with hard work and resolute dedication, one can go very far in life. With her “Dream, Believe, Make it Happen” project, she aims to inspire and encourage people not to equate circumstance with fate. Circumstance is a fickle creature. And Agnes will attest to the notion that the right mentality can change reality. She’s made her own dreams come true, now she’s getting to work on the rest of Indonesia.
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For More Information on Agnes Monica’s Groundbreaking work, please visit:
Special Feature ☞ The Project Madness
Spotted at last weekend’s Brightspot Market, jewelry from The Project Madness is both courageously edgy and inherently feminine…not unlike the muse for the line, Frida Kahlo herself. It was this line’s appealing combination of raw statement mixed with sensual allure that inspired me to find out more about how the Project Madness came to be.
It turns out, this Project is a team effort, involving a triad of fresh talent. In the fall of 2008 after graduating from Lasalle College International in Jakarta, Bonnie (a fashion design graduate), Ajeng (a fashion illustration graduate), and Vannie (a fashion business graduate) decided to start an accessories line. Each had been profoundly moved by all facets of Frida Kahlo’s life. Everything from her unapologetic passion, her personal tragedies, the resulting triumphs, and her aesthetic sensibilities had inspired them to translate this type of personal dichotomy into a line of wearable art.
Bonnie explains, “Most people are truly inspiring, but we believe in duality; every coin has two sides, everyone has their alter ego, and sometimes their alter ego can truly bring about their creativity and inspire tons of marvelous things.” This notion of a layered existence has been beautifully channeled into each piece produced by The Project Madness. Using leather and silver plated metal, each work entertains a sinuous quality. The metal pendants look as if they are dripping off the leather cord, and the rings appear to be simmering on their wearer’s finger.
To my eye virtually anyone would find these pieces both special yet completely wearable, which is good, as this is their ideal client base. Bonnie adds, “our target market are people around 17 to 50 who love us and are not afraid to show their emotion and passion.”
Unrestrained passion and natural talent are perhaps Frida Kahlo’s best known qualities. She is then the most fitting muse for this line which allows the wearer to indulge and satisfy her own passion for beautiful and unique jewelry.
☞ Currently you can find The Project Madness online at www.theprojectmadness.com and soon they will be featured at The Goods Dept. (More on The Goods Dept. to follow… )
wanderlust and wonder 