Art and Unity Sawidji Explorative Space

Art and Unity Sawidji Explorative Space. Featured Artists. A couple of months back we introduced our first open call, in collaboration with Basabali WIKI. An open call with the specific intention of providing room for artists and creators in the photographic and digital fields to explore their passion across different mediums as well as develop conceptual processes and narratives within the parameters of fine arts.

This was a litmus test to gage the intrest and understand where the gaps lie between photography and other forms of visual arts in our creative local community. There are so many talented photographers here in Bali. With a high demands in many commercial fields. Beauty in aesthetics is not something we are short of in our backyard.

Our open call offered the theme ‘Art and Unity’ and our guiding criteria were ‘based on aspects of aesthetic assessment, concept, meaning and message conveyed regarding the ‘art and unity theme’. The selection of featured works below are the works we agree meet all aspects of the criteria intended by this open call.

Art and Unity, Featured Artists

First of all, on behalf of Sawidji and Basabali Wiki, the juries Tjandra Hutama, ManButur Suantara and myself Dian Dewi, we would like to say thank you to everyone who has participated, thought about participating, supported and continues to take an interest in this initiative.

Today we bring to you highlights from the entries we received. After a period of selection, we were unanymous in selecting these works today that brought the spirit of creative exploration, conceptual constructs and freedom of imagination into their works. We are proud to feature selected works by Windujati, Gabriella Okki, Komang Edy Erawan and Andika Darmawan and share them with you.

In Between by Andika Darmawan

The dilemma of a Balinese woman in her life’s journey. Choose to work and continue your career while you are young or choose to stay at home taking care of your home, husband and children.

Andika Darmawan

Highlighting the issue specific to women in Bali and the way this was visualised is something that Tjandra Hutama took specific note of.

Tjandra: What is interesting to note in this work is that the condition of women in Bali who are married is indeed a challenge in itself, where the ability to socialize and carry out traditional obligations in Balinese traditional culture is very difficult if in their youth they were not involved much in carrying out customs. Very complex rituals and religions. There is a tendency for many Balinese women to not be able to continue their careers as they did when they were single, due to the demands of being a wife, mother or daughter-in-law who have to carry out the above obligations.

ManButur: The composition is strengthened by the presence of a wire barrier which in this instance likely represents the limitations placed on women who are required to choose between traditional duties or following their career paths.

Social Change affecting Women in Bali today

Dian: The social commentary raised by the artist is found in social documentary style images, and here we can see additional experimentation in the visual work. There are white dots across the composition, there is also a tonal difference applied to the face of the woman. All in all, a simple classical black and white work with subtle detailing that adds to the narrative.

Sempati by Komang Edy Erawan

Jatayu, your indomitable courage has always been a source of inspiration, and I, your loyal brother, Sempati, stand by your side with unwavering support for your journey towards your dreams. I pledge to be your unwavering protector, even if it means making the most profound sacrifices.

Komang Edy Erawan

Sempati displays a digital image portraying a scene from the Ramayana that is not commonly portrayed in a visual work. It is a moment of sacrifice made by the bird Sempati for his brother Jatayu. To protect Jatayu from the Suns’ fire, Sempati sacrificed himself burned his wings and fell to earth, never to see his brother Jatayu again.

An unusual scene from the Ramayana epic speaks through digital art.

Tjandra: The Ramayana epic is full of the meanings of life. Just by showing one of the hundreds of scenes in the Ramayana story, we learn many lessons. What’s interesting about this work is that the creator chose a scene that is not common. Usually, the heroism of Rama, the loyalty and sacrifice of Sita, or the arrogance of Ravana, are much more popular themes. The moment chosen here, is uncommon and powerful. The visual representation from digital rendering is considerably masterful.

ManButur: An impressive work, based on a legendary story about the Jatayu bird and
his brother Sempati. Not only is the chosen moment in the story a different perspective but also the angle in the visual mirrors this. Sempati looks dashing and mighty, the manipulation of depth of field also influences the viewing angle considerably. For a digital composition, the contrasts achieved by areas that are blurred and out of focus along with the sharpness of Sempatis’s head and crown, coupled with strong contrasting colours make this visually an epic moment.

Sacrifice as a symbol of everlasting unity

Dian: Not to repeat what has already been discussed by Tjandra and ManButur, I speak from the perspective of theme. We speak of art and unity. In regards to process, combining digital manipulation and photographic images and perhaps digital painting as well, we have a very interesting moment of an epic story visualised. This is a moment of palpable sacrifice. At this point of the story we think of death. Plunging from the sky, burning wings, plummeting to earth. I wonder if the creator meant that this ultimate sacrifce is what is required for unity?

‘Wannabe’ by Gabriella Okki

Various polishes were attempted, want to beutify yourself To be different, from the truth Change is inevitable Lying to yourself, just to flattered Don’t mistake my choice, because out there fake ones is the most popular. A common view of the majority

Gabriella okki

Tjandra: A fragment of poetry full of social meaning, translated into the art of photography. Excellent!!

ManButur: A work of photography with creative imagination, based on classic portrait composition, combined
with several elements that strengthen the narrative of the work. Where two hands are holding a brush by polishing the part of the face that is superimposed with torn pieces of paper. Visually depicting the inauthenticity of the face, for the sake of appearances. Just to look beautiful, handsome and perhaps fashionable in front of public eyes. As stated by the artist statement it also illustrates how dishonesty and falsehood appears to be more in demand nowadays. The difference in eye colour of the subject suggests duplicity.

Falsity, a Genuine Popular Demand

Dian: Is this exploring unity as a theme comparable to the truth of the authentic self? The portrait is beautiful technically. Paintbrushes embellish the eyes and mouth. Reminiscent of makeup which adds femininity to the male model. There are three hands in the composition which suggests there is an unnatural hand tampering with and actively manipulating the self from outside the individual will. It is a statement about self-perception and self-distortion. The conceptual construct here is strong and there are questions provoked by the image. This is a strong element of what defines conceptual photography.

‘A Strange Conversation Between Species’ by Windujati

“Strange Conversations Between Species” is a photographic work, the object is smoke that is assembled into a certain image. Concept: Communicating can use any language, between different languages ​​is also not an obstacle to communication. There are expressions, facial expressions, gestures, movements, etc. It’s awkward at first, but then you get used to it, if you want.

Windujati

Tjandra: An important point I take from this work is the translation of communication through a visual representation that is quite abstract, with these monochromatic elements. This has of course gone through a process of deep contemplation from the creator so that he was able to translate a simple communication concept into a smoke-formed diorama that represents individual interactions. a language of communication that we don’t commonly see.

ManButur: This work is impressive. Smoke replacing figures. Smoke can joke, and talk, and we never know how they communicate. When I visualize this work, the conversation I didn’t realize it was in my mind, just by seeing the shape and gesture of the smoke, the conversation appears. And it is whatever is in our minds, Impressive.

Conceptual Conversation Embodied

Dian: This is very interesting. A beautiful application of conceptual dialogue to portray a message that truly answers the offered theme.. art and unity. This is an assembly of different images of smoke. Illustrating a constructive approach throughout the process. The composition is sequential and automatically prompts us to think of .. what’s next?

Smoke as the object for ‘dialogue’ and species.. is gorgeous. It is diaphanous and intangible. True communication is often intangible also. Connections and bonds are ambiguous. Smoke represents this beautifully. At the heart of unity, is the joining of separate entities. Communication is a joining.

All in all this work encompasses notions of abstract concepts,.. a suggestive conversation and question.. and is successful in its technical application of manipulating a difficult medium (smoke) to paint shapes that are suggestive of different species The artist’s statement is also an apt narrative.. suggesting that communication.. unity.. is always possible.. if we choose it. I applaud this suggestion, that it is a choice.

Art and Unity Sawidji Explorative Space. A Note of Thanks from the Jury

Often in the beginning when something is done for the first time, many may be unsure of what to expect. We are so pleased with the contributions of those who took part.

The four featured artists truly represents such a wide variety of stylistic genres, perspectives, thematic interpretations. We came across traditional epic narratives, present issues faced by women in Bali, issues of falsity in society today and finally the universality of communication. As juries, we three feel very fortunate and appreciative of the range of works and themes presented. We enjoyed our discussions and learned a lot through their work.

We feel very positive that in the future, open calls in Sawidji Explorative Space shall continue to see intriguing dialogues of ideas through art. This explorative space will thrive and be a place to nurture the creative spirit and imaginative minds.

Whats Next?

Look forward to upcoming collaborations with featured artists of Art and Unity in Sawidji Explorative Space. Open Call Results: Gabriella Okki, Windujati, Komang Edy Erawan, Andika Darmawan.

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