Interchangeable Harmonies, a Cili Reflection

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

The works of Tjandra Hutama in the Manus, a Conscious Journey Collaboration, Sudakara Art Space, Sudamala Sanur, December 2023 respond to the question of ‘What makes us human?’ The collaborative process in the Manus project encourages each artist to explore very different elements of the narrative, through varying disciplines of their art. In the end, there was a very strong interrelationship between each artist’s message as one united response.

A Keen Social Observer

Tjandra Hutama as a photographer and digital mix-media artist carries a strong portfolio in street photography. With a very discerning eye for subtle symbolisms for social commentary in his photographs. More recently, his digital mix-media works have broken out further and have begun to use alternative materials that in themselves carry primary roles in the image’s message. What is present throughout all his works is a strong sense of social and community conscientiousness.

A Journey of Consciousness

Throughout the Manus project, Tjandra recounts his process from the first piece of the collaboration, which evolved from an installation toward his final pieces of digital mixed-media works.

“Manus Collaboration evolved from the initial idea at Sawidji which featured installation art and hypothetical portraits of human consciousness within the scope of ancient civilisations. Due to limited archaeological evidence and historical sources available, this may be difficult to understand. However, the hypothetical consciousness in primitive humans may be interpreted to be simple. Where adapting to nature is the key to survival. Predominantly related to skills of survival, which requires them to have aptitude in hunting and gathering food.” ^{~ Tjandra Hutama}

The discussions on primitive human consciousness and how it evolves, pulled the keen observations of the artist into his present cultural orbit. Translated visually by using specific objects within Balinese traditional offerings to narrate observations on collective awareness. At the same time, iterating discerning social commentary on issues that prevail.

Offerings by the Dozen, a mixed media work brings new reflections on interpreting consciousness in an era when humans are familiar with religion as a moral guide for living. In the context of this work, through the scope of ritual approach in Bali. Ritual philosophy in Balinese society is based on the understanding of beryadnya as important in every aspect of life. Yadnya can be interpreted as respect, offerings, and benevolence. Practiced sincerely for the sake of prosperity and the perfection of a peaceful life together.

Carrying out yadnya in a universal manner may be seen as gratitude to the universe. The work Offerings by the Dozen shows ‘awareness’ in two layers. They contrast jaje/pre-gembal snacks with the background of diverse modern-day snacks.

Tjandra Hutama

Next is a mixed media work entitled Interchangeable Harmonies, arranging layers to explore the harmonization of gender equality. The roles of men and women must be balanced and they need to understand each other. The principle is that all individuals, regardless of gender, have rights, responsibilities and equal opportunities in all aspects of life. The symbol of Man and Woman is taken from the top of the pre-gembal jaje/snack offering. These symbols are arranged artistically using duplication and composition techniques, representing awareness of mutually supportive gender equality and appreciating the achievement of a harmonious life.

Tjandra Hutama

Cili, Going Beyond the Form

Dr. Mas Ruscitadewi shares some of her thoughts on cultural sentiment about the Cili and the development of different types of offerings in Balinese ritual.

“When we talk about Bali and its culture, it never ends. I mean, this is because what our elders held and what has been passed down to us, there is an essence there that we inherit. The changes that we experience and see today are part of the changing times. The Cili is the same. The essence is there, people understand Cili as having a face.. a man and a woman. That is the shape of it. What is being recognised is the form and the name.” _{~ Mas Ruscitadewi}

“However, Cili can be made from any material. In the past, it was made by rice cakes that were formed into many different shapes. It was very dynamic. It is there that we see Hindu Bali. There is Patra there. We are allowed to offer forms to show our gratitude.. other forms can be offered for prayers as well. Yantra. Cili is one of these forms of offering. Creativity is an essential part of this expression. Dance is a form of offering, painting also.. that is why the arts in Bali are very much tied to its spiritual life.” _{~Mas Ruscitadewi}

The Cili form has the specific form of man and woman. A pair. It can be made from fruits, cakes and leaves by materials can be from many sources. This is perhaps what has made crafts and skills develop in Bali, as it is an expressive medium with no restrictions. So it expands and develops creatively.

Creativity, a way to express our evolving consciousness.

Perhaps it is there that Tjandra Hutama would like to show the correlation between ‘offering’ and ‘What makes us human?’ As we evolve our awareness and ability to co-exist in a social construct, we have an innate drive to bridge the distance between ourselves and that which is intangible. Through creative expression. The Universal life force, our Origin, Nature, God. Human creativity comes very much from this part of human consciousness. In the context of Bali’s rituals, the creative forms are complex. In themselves manifestations of our need to understand the order of the world we are in. Manifesting in many different forms. Whatever the materials. The essence is the same. The essence is to connect to the Unseen force from where we originate.

Tjandra chose to represent human awareness through the Cili. A form of Balinese banten that represents a pair. Man and woman. Within this one symbol, the universality of Balinese life philosophy is also captured.

Wayan Suastama, whose work also explores symbols of traditional philosophies shares some of his observations.

“Actually in my opinion all shapes male and female carry the meaning of a prayer. The triangle.. reflects hope, and prayer for balance for humankind. Our hope to have balance is carried in these representations. Tri Hita Karana is a foundation that reflects this. Aside from the faces of a man and woman, there is a triangle shape in the Cili. The triangle is a shape that carries layers of meaning. Three, Trinity of the inter-relationship between human, environment and God.” _{~ Wayan Suastama}

Social Change Challenging Bali’s Traditional Community

Whilst addressing the question what makes us human? Tjandra Hutama by choice of the Cili also raises social conditions that challenge our traditional community today. In Offerings by the Dozen, the issue of consumerism and commercialism pose distractions and roadblocks for spiritual cultivation in a modern clime.

A Comment on Gender Equality and Consumerist Culture

In Interchangeable Harmonies, he brings our attention to the balance that should be inherent between men and women, a natural balance. Each is complimentary to the other, not restricted by categorisations and can interchange as equal parts of one whole. Indirectly, this brings attention to the imbalance that is often seen between men’s and women’s roles and social perceptions in Bali today.

“Man and woman in Bali are not so clearly divided in a conceptual sense. Because in the man there is a woman, in the woman there is the man. This is present in Linga Yoni. This is represented as a unified entity. It is evident in Tjandra’s work on Interchangeable Harmonies. He is showing the essence of the meaning.” _{~Mas Ruscitadewi}

Through both works Interchangeable Harmonies and Offerings by the Dozen, Tjandra Hutama continues to bring attention to complex social conditions. Using traditional Balinese offerings and the Cili form, his works convey messages of gratitude, balance, and awareness, addressing societal challenges and emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity.

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