Cultural Inspiration of the Archipelago in Crafts
The civilization of a nation can be seen from its artifacts, containing relics of the past that can provide an overview of the history of the ancestors' life journey. The various historical relics visually have meaning and function both explicitly and implicitly. Representations of works can be in the form of tangible and intangible works. Both complement each other and provide value. Basically, the peaks of past cultures have their own characteristics and are influenced by the supporting community. Pride and appreciation for the heritage of the past is not just nostalgia, but can also be considered as the nation's culture. On the other hand, the expansion of modern culture is intensifying, so that it is sometimes able to set aside old cultural values.
Even though traditional culture is starting to be pushed aside, it does not mean that it must lose its role in the development of the nation's culture. It is evident that many artists utilize traditional culture as a source of ideas for the creation of new works. The creativity of artists today is sometimes unpredictable. Sometimes when the mood for art arises, the creativity to explore elements of traditional culture is unavoidable. They explore the nation's cultural treasures, both for scientific purposes and the creation of works of art.
The nation's cultural idioms are important in the creative process of art with cognitive skills, so that an artist can absorb, process, and create new craft art. The new work is a form of differentiation in the form of exploration of ideas/concepts, forms, materials, and characters or styles.
In this context, there are two general goals in creating a work of craft: first, as an inner satisfaction, that is, as a work that comes without expectations outside of its inner restlessness; second, as part of fulfilling the economic needs of a home based on the realm of culture. Both purposes can fulfill each other. Sometimes personal works can inspire works of limited and mass reproduction. Its presence cannot be separated from the influence of the environment, including local potential as a source of inspiration, both in the form of concepts of cultural traditions, patterns of life, and materials adapted to the times.
Thus, local culture or tradition can actually speak globally as part of the nation's identity. Crafts relatively much explore the natural and cultural potential of the archipelago. Such a step is able to provide added value in the form of uniqueness with Indonesian character. This also has the flexibility of art, including its use value. Craft can provide a new view of works that are personal expressions in applied art and for display, such as souvenirs, accessories products, furniture, and others. Craft products have been able to provide new forms of creativity in certain cultural products.
There are relatively few craft exhibitions organized as a form of appreciation education for the public. Only reproduction works are widely practiced, namely artworks made in mass from past forms and techniques called craft art. Craft art that is oriented towards new creation as the basis for contemporary creativity or new design results needs attention. This is because the results of this creative creation have an impact on the popularity of craft works. The mass production of craft works as a business commodity affects the rise of new crafts that are trending in the market and have Indonesian characteristics.
This is why the 2018 UNDAGI #2 Exhibition is different from the first one. The UNDAGI #2 exhibition will present works that provide more inspiration for the growth and development of crafts that collaborate the potential of creation with materials. Moreover, the works presented are unique and creative new works of craft art. This event will prioritize the novelty of the idea of exploring the nation's culture, materials, techniques, and finishing. It does not rule out the possibility of pure works that explore the nation's cultural potential. The exhibitors are craftsmen who have high dedication to their profession. The exhibited works will be strictly curated, with artistic principles, so that it is expected to increase the appreciation and education of the wider community.
This Undagi #2 is the result of the collaboration of the Directorate of Arts, Directorate General of Culture, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Department of Craft, Faculty of Fine Arts, ISI Yogyakarta and DIY Cultural Office. The Craft Exhibition will be opened on May 9, 2018 by the Director of Arts. General of Culture, Ministry of Education and Culture. The exhibitors consisted of 84 craftsmen from Sumatra, Java and Bali.
In addition to the exhibition in the Undagi #2 series, there will also be an Eco-Print Workshop and a Craft Artist Dialogue on May 10, 2018. In total, all Undagi #2 events will be held on May 9-13, 2018 at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. Related Undagi #2 information will continue to be updated through
social media Instagram & Facebook : @pameranbesarsenikriya .
Curator: Timbul Raharjo
Co Curator: 1. Agus Sriyono
2. Arif Suharson
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