Proceeding Bali-Bhuwana Waskita: Global Art Creativity Conference

Sea and Ocean as Fountains of Islanders’ Life and Creative Activities: An Ecological Perspective to Confront the Global Crisis

Junko Konishi — 2024-01-31

This paper considers the possibility of arts and performing arts to challenge the global crisis of the so called Anthropocene. It is the most recent period in Earth’s history when human activities significantly impacted the climate and ecosystems. This is exemplified by the case of Miyako Islands, the remote islands of Okinawa Prefecture, which illustrate how water has been fountains of islanders’ lives and creative activities is discussed. The theoretical background of this study includes nissology (island study) that has established the concept of an island, "aquapelago/aquapelagic" assemblages, the concept proposed by Hayward (2012), and ecomusicology. The "aquapelago" assemblages are integrated marine and terrestrial spaces for human beings, organisms and supernatural beings, such as the iconic imagined mer creature-the mermaid. Ecomusicology is defined as the study of music, culture, sound and nature in a period of environmental crisis. Although the underground dam was constructed to share the water with human beings, midzï-nu-nusï ru:gu, the gods living in the underground/underwater space, are believed with awe and reverence. This traditional and/or Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (TEK/IEK) concerned with water for living in Miyako Islands has been passed down from generation to generation through folklore, arts, and performing arts and remains at the historical sites and inspired creating performing arts. Interdisciplinary research on sea and ocean encourages artists and performers as well as scientists, technicians, and politicians to think and practice for Earth's sustainable future.

Navigating the Abyss: Artworks Born from Turbulent Minds, Depression, and Aspirations by the Patterns of the Sea

K. Asril Ismail — 2023-12-30

This academic enquiry explores the profound connection between the human psyche, depression, and the inexhaustible wellspring of creativity that emerges from the depths of turmoil. It delves into the world of artistry conceived amidst the turbulence of the mind, and how the patterns found in the sea serve as a poignant metaphor for the journey through emotional tempests. Art has long been a powerful channel for expressing the complexity of human emotions, and this paper sheds light on how melancholy, often seen as a debilitating force, can paradoxically become a wellspring of artistic inspiration. Through various mediums, artists have channeled their inner struggles into evocative and thought-provoking works that invite viewers to contemplate the enigmatic relationship between darkness and creativity. Drawing parallels with the patterns found in the sea, which can range from the gentle ripples of calm waters to the violent crashes of waves, this underscores the idea that the human mind, like the ocean, is ever-changing and dynamic. Just as the sea's turbulent nature can give rise to awe-inspiring beauty, so too can the tumultuous currents of the mind lead to the creation of captivating and transformative artworks. This exploration serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and its ability to find solace, meaning, and inspiration even in the darkest of moments. The artworks born from the depths of depression and nurtured by the aspirational yearning for tranquility exemplify the indomitable human capacity to transform adversity into works of enduring beauty, inviting audiences to navigate their own emotional abyss and discover the potential for creativity and healing within. The primary purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals dealing with melancholic episodes use art as a means of expressing their emotions. By analysing sketches created by the author himself, the reflective manner aims to uncover the nuances embedded in the artwork, shedding light on the ways in which depression influences their creative output. Utilising poetic inquiry as an engagement method is an approach that combines artistic expression, often in the form of poetry, with the research process. This method allows the exploration and engage with topics in a creative and subjective way, fostering deeper insights and connection with both the subject matter and the readers. Sketches created exhibited a higher prevalence of turbulent patterns and expressions of distress. The presence of sea patterns served as a bridge between their internal emotional landscapes and the external world, allowing for a profound form of communication and catharsis. In the fusion of poetic inquiry, the mesmerising us on performing art such as the Silat performance, and the inspiration drawn from the sea, the areas in uncovering a symphony of artistry and expression transcends boundaries in the norms on academic inquiry, revealing the profound essence of understanding in the questions explored, stories shared, and movements that propel much like the movements like the eternal sea.

The Artistic Meaning of Isolo Tradition of Sentani Tribe, Papua in Indonesia's Sustainable Maritime Culture

Ida Bagus Gede Surya Peradantha — 2023-12-30

The purpose of this study is to uncover the aesthetic meaning in the Sentani Tribe's Isolo tradition in Lake Sentani, Papua. The study focused on how the artistic aspects of Isolo represent essential creative meanings and what the important implications of artistic meanings in the Isolo tradition are for the development of the archipelago's sustainable maritime culture. This study employs a qualitative technique based on Roland Barthes' semiotic theory. Data was gathered through observation of Isolo performances during the 2023 Lake Sentani Festival, interviews, and literature searches. The following are the study's findings: First, creative components such as dance moves, singing, clothes, property, and body painting motifs demonstrate symbolic connotations of natural prosperity, patriotism, spirituality, and fraternity. Second, the key meanings in Isolo derive from the concept of Rokhabia, a sense of brotherhood of one womb that is deeply established in Sentani tradition. Third, the implications of the Isolo tradition might build Sentani tribe social relationships through the meaning of the elements in its artistic representation. This study contributes significantly to expanding the horizon of the Sentani Tribe's Isolo heritage in preserving Indonesia’s sustainable maritime culture.

Rider, Waves from a Body Aquaculture Experimental to the Inter-Audiences Participatory

Darlane Litaay — 2024-01-31

The Rider is a dance performance series that proposes the association between humans, spaces, nature, and non-humans. This research aims to break down the chronological aspects of the trilogy performances, Rider, presented in the three distinct venues. It employed a practice-based research approach in four key stages: the training ground process, the use of the arch as a flux dramaturgical tool, the artist as a subject perspective, and shifting the (inter) mediums interactivity. This investigation highlights the connection between the body aquaculture as a performance material and the natural characteristic of the ocean and revolving the dramaturgical reflection. It also explores the level of engagement - participatory of the inter-audiences and mediums as it experiences response-ability, which has been seamlessly integrated into the artwork known as Rider. As a result, the sensitivity of self-awareness to social circumstances, environmental issues, and global conflicts could be achieved In other words, by experiencing art, the senses of the aesthetics of human beings could be used in our daily lives to make a peaceful and better world in this uncertain future.

Eclectic Visual Narrative: Nine Paintings About Indonesian Culture of Nautical Society

Arthur S. Nalan — 2024-01-31

This research discusses an eclectic visual narrative of nine paintings about the Indonesian nautical culture by Arthur S. Nalan. Nautical society inhabits all the coasts of the Indonesian archipelago and relies on maritime-related livelihoods. Nautical society is rarely used as a source for artistic creation. This research uses the Practice-Based Research method edited by Craig Vear (2022), applying the theory of the Aesthetic Communication approach of Ole Thyssen (2010), which describes identity, vision, and image: initial remarks. Therefore, the nine paintings studied in this research can be understood as a pneumonic device for those who recognize, understand, and appreciate the Indonesian nautical culture. The research was carried out through the process of “analyzing” nine paintings by Arthur S. Nalan. The finding in this research is an eclectic visual narrative of the Indonesian nautical culture. This research concludes that the nine paintings present the dynamics of the Indonesian nautical culture.

The Artistry and Beauty of Coastal Batik: The Unique Identity and Significance of Lasem Batik

RA Sekartaji Suminto — 2023-12-30

This research aims to explore and highlight the cultural significance of Batik in the Indonesian archipelago, highlighting the unique characteristics of Batik Lasem as a renowned coastal batik variety. The study involves extensive research and documentation of the cultural heritage of Batik, focusing on Batik Lasem. Various historical records, literature, and cultural resources were reviewed and analyzed to gather comprehensive information. The research findings underscore the intrinsic value of Batik as an enduring cultural tradition in Indonesia. Batik Lasem, with its distinct features such as the use of the rare "red blood" color derived from noni tree roots and the Tumpal Pusung motif, stands out as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The research sheds light on the importance of preserving and promoting the unique cultural elements of Batik Lasem. This coastal batik not only reflects the cultural diversity of Indonesia but also serves as a symbol of cultural identity and pride, contributing to the ongoing appreciation and safeguarding of Batik as a priceless cultural heritage.

Panji and Maritime Tradition: Representation of Panji in the Tradition of Pambelah Community

Rohmat Djoko Prakosa — 2024-01-31

This article examines the representation of Panji, a legendary hero in Javanese culture, in the maritime tradition of the Pambelah community. The Pambelah community, who live on the north coast of Java and work as fishermen, sailors, and boat builders, have a deep connection with the cosmic sea, the boat-making process, and the sailing activities. Through literature review and participant observation methods, this research explores the oral and written narratives of Panji about these activities. The findings reveal that Panji is not only a source of inspiration for various literary and artistic expressions but also a part of the spirituality and identity of the Pambelah community. They view Panji as a role model of kautaman (the highest level of human dignity) and mapan nyawiji (the merging of oneself with nature and God). In conclusion, the research on Panji in maritime tradition reveals the historical and cultural links between the agrarian and maritime aspects of Nusantara civilization and the dynamic and pluralistic nature of Panji culture.

Jejagulan Kendang: Oceanic Fauna as An Inspiration of Musical Concept in Karawitan Bali

I Gde Made Indra Sadguna — 2024-01-31

The seas and oceans hold profound significance within the cultural and spiritual milieu of the Balinese people. From a theological perspective, the ocean serves as a site for purification and spiritual cleansing, while for artists, it represents an abundant source of creative inspiration. Anecdotes abound regarding the profound influence of marine biodiversity on the composition of musical pieces and conceptualizations within the realm of Balinese karawitan. This scholarly endeavor seeks to undertake a comprehensive analysis of one such musical concept within Balinese culture, known as jejagulan kendang. It is mentioned in the Balinese Language Dictionary that jagul is a large and long fish, often compared to a whale. Although jejagulan kendang is a somewhat ubiquitous term, at times employed with a degree of ambiguity, a rigorous examination of its meaning and implications has hitherto been absent from academic discourse. Consequently, the principal objective of this research is to elucidate the early genesis of jejagulan kendang, tracing its evolution into the contemporary era, and exploring the manner in which marine fauna has served as a wellspring of inspiration for a distinctive musical concept within Balinese karawitan. This research is conducted within the framework of a descriptive-qualitative methodology, with an emphasis on the aesthetic paradigm and the domain of Balinese karawitanology. The empirical data are derived from a multifaceted approach, including in-depth interviews, meticulous observations, and intricate musical analyses of compositions featuring jejagulan kendang. It is envisaged that the findings of this study will provide a comprehensive depiction of the transformation and inspiration derived from oceanic fauna, as they manifest within the musical tapestry of Balinese karawitan. As such, this research is poised to serve as an invaluable reference for Balinese karawitan musicians, both in terms of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Interpreting Life Values in The Performance of Ramayana Shadow Puppet Setubanda Play

I Made Marajaya — 2024-01-31

Ramayana Shadow Puppet Performance is a type of Balinese shadow puppet from the Ramayana Epic, and its position still exists in society today. The Ramayana Shadow Puppet Performance's main characters are Rama a symbol of good and Ravana a symbol of evil. The characters consist of humans, monkeys (ore), and giants. This performance of Ramayana story is famous for its characteristic "ngore" (monkey sound). One of the most popular plays show is Setubanda play, named Sundara Kanda. The shadow puppet play tells the story of Rama's army led by Sugriwa was building a connecting bridge from Mount Mahendra to Alengka. The Setubanda Bridge which had been completed by Rama's troops was then damaged by Ravana's son Detya Kala Sura Bhuta and his crocodile army. Then there was a war that ended with the death of Detya Kala Sura Bhuta. This research used qualitative methods and was supported by semiotic and hermeneutic theories. It can be philosophically interpreted as a bridge between Paramatman (Rama) and Jiwatman (Sita) who were separated by Ravana. The Setubanda play contains many life values; the value of education, leadership, unity, loyalty, and the value of solidarity.

Sentani Lake and The Papua Sea in Art: Representation, Abstraction, and Their Meaning in Papuan Society

I Dewa Ketut Wicaksana — 2023-12-30

This article investigates the representation of Sentani Lake and the Papua Sea in the traditional art of the Papuan people, aiming to uncover their cultural significance and implications. The study aims to identify the embedded meanings in artistic depictions of these natural elements and to understand how these representations reflect the cultural understanding and local wisdom of the Papuan community. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study collects data from primary sources including cultural rituals, performing arts, and visual arts. Aesthetic theory is used to analyze the portrayal of the two bodies of water within the cultural context, while semiotic theory is applied to interpret the symbolic elements and socio-aesthetic meanings within the Sentani coastal culture. The research findings indicate that the artistic representation of Lake Sentani and the Papua Sea encompasses profound symbolic meanings beyond their visual depictions. These representations convey spiritual concepts, abundance, and the intricate relationship between humans and nature, reflecting a deep understanding of ecosystems and local beliefs. The article emphasizes the vital role of art in preserving the cultural and natural significance within the Papuan society, emphasizing the profound connections between humans. Sentani Lake, the Papua Sea, and their natural environment within the rich and diverse cultural context of Papua.