Balai perupa honors three art forms

By Pavan Kapoor

JAKARTA (JP): The tree is perhaps the most versatile object in nature providing shade, shelter, and protection while replenishing essential food for the universe. Balai Perupa, a mini art gallery situated within the Taman Kafe Semanggi complex, symbolizes the teeming city of Jakarta as a tree as it launches an art program on the occasion of the Anniversary of Jakarta. The unique aspect of Pohon Jakarta (The Tree of Jakarta) is presented in three art forms: installation, painting and performance arts.

The exhibition was opened on June 9 by Mohamad Sobary (Director of Antara news agency) and supported by chief patron of arts Grace Siregar. Surrounded by the delicious mouth-watering smells emanating from the neighboring cafes, Balai Perupa hosted the performance art on the opening night under the stars in the open area in front.

Performed by K. Cung, who painted himself in red and white as a representation of Indonesia, the performance was enacted within a tripod of triangular bamboo sticks. From the apex hung a pot which eventually was grasped by the artist as the free fall, splintering upon contact with the bricked ground below. On one of the arms was a ladder that K. Cung attempted to climb again and again. Each effort to rise and climb to the top symbolized Indonesia's perseverance to climb out of the economic crisis.

On a par with demonstrations and rallies, these performance arts are also a means of articulating the mind and feelings of the public. Performance art such as this has gained tremendous momentum in recent years and works toward showing the common frustration with the deteriorating economic condition of the country.

The second art form that was unique to Pohon Jakarta was the installation art, primarily displayed by artist Rowan Winfred Davey. Rowan was born in London and is qualified in art, theater and sociology and has exhibited his art in England several times.

Although Rowan had some of his paintings also on display, his installation works such as Pohon Jakarta, which stands in the central arena of the Taman Kafe complex, is more eye-catching. It consists of a central trunk with long narrow plastic bags billowing out and waving in the breeze.

Some of Rowan's other installation works on display are Sparkling Celebration and Gloomy Days. Sparkling celebration is an intriguing collection of shining and sparkling knick-knacks, such as beaded necklaces and gold wire, hanging from a plate of coat hanger hooks. As the hanging apparatus swings, the objects glisten and attract the viewer's attention.

Gloomy Days is at the opposite end of the spectrum of emotion for Rowan. The objects that hang from this installation seem to be assorted everyday objects, and although an ordinary onlooker might not receive the same gloomy message while witnessing the installation, it might have special memories and emotional associations for the artist himself.

The paintings on display are mainly by Grace Siregar and can be categorized as casual abstracts. Using a lot of deep reds and black, Grace seems to have the color of blood on almost every painting. Born in Indonesia, Grace started exhibiting her paintings in 1997. Since then she has exhibited in Amsterdam, and Jakarta several times.

In Dilarang Masuk (No Entry) Grace shows a no-entry sign, a circle with a red dash inside. In Shadows of my childhood, Grace depicts a complication of paint slashes in gray and the predominant crimson. All along the outer panels are eyes that tell of the depth of memory and detail that Grace seems to possess of early childhood.

On the upper level of the cafe-cum-gallery is the painting entitled Celebration in grief. Through the lines of a gigantic peace sign, one can see figures -- figures lying prostrate on the ground and some as if stretching upward to escape the human mass at the bottom.

Taman Kafe Semanggi seems to be a place where the action is during the month of June, when art festivals are almost assaulting ones senses and forcing people to take off and enjoy the summer months. Present in such an atmosphere, Pohon Jakarta is a brave attempt by Bali Perupa at encouraging the three forms of artistic media.