Exhibition hopes to scrawl something new

Caroline Cooper, Contributor, Jakarta

Art for little people can indeed draw a big crowd. The current exhibition at the British Council, titled Magic Pencil, has brought together children's illustrations from the UK and Indonesia, displaying examples from both cultures while also prompting debate about how local artists can develop more creative and marketable works.

"Illustrators in Indonesia are not well appreciated," said Toosye Damayanti, chief organizer of the event, on the sidelines of a drawing competition and artists' discussion held last Sunday at the British Council.

"There is a lack of respect for the children's illustrator. We want to improve this."

The exhibition features the work of 24 prominent British and Indonesian children's illustrators. The frenetic pen and ink drawings of Quentin Blake, best known for his illustrations of Roald Dahl's children's stories, are on display, as are examples of Laura Child's broad, free-form style and Stephen Biesty's choppy imagery.

Alongside the British prints are Indonesian works, including Iwan Darmawan's blocky, candy-colored characters and Firdaus Husaini's docile, floating fantasies. M. Fauzie's globular ink forms are also on view, all menacing teeth and duplicitous smiles.

Organizers of the exhibition seek to promote the creative stylings of local artists, as well as to show examples of children's illustrations from abroad that move beyond the familiar territory of Japanese manga comics and American Disney.

"Indonesian illustrators have their own style," said Adi Permadi, the chief illustration editor of children's magazine Bobo. "But it is difficult to maintain. They also need to offer what Indonesian society will buy.

"Right now, that is closely connected to a commercial style from abroad."

Several artists and editors of children's illustrations cited the strict Indonesian education system as stifling children's creativity and ability to freely express themselves. As a result, many argued, young illustrators never fully develop their talents or are dissuaded from the industry at an early age.

"Children's education must be a focus," said prominent illustrator Firdaus Husaini. "We need to start here to promote children's creativity and self-expression."

Several young Indonesian illustrators were also on hand to discuss their current work and direction, such as Ryan Wijaya, 23, a web designer who has contributed to children's projects.

"I feel frustrated by the lack of appreciation for local illustration styles in Indonesian society, but I think the young generation can fix this. Indonesian illustrators are really very good."

Ryan added that, while he tries to foster his own style, he feels pressure to conform to commercial demands.

"I am also trying to do art I can sell, and to understand what the trends are today."

Other artists at the event expressed dismay with the publishing industry for its specific demands based on the popular manga and Disney styles.

"I want to develop my style, but it's too original and it won't sell," commented local children's illustrator Pupung. "This makes the decision to be an illustrator in Indonesia very hard."

Examples of perhaps the country's best-known children's artist of an earlier time were not on view, though several older artists commented on his work.

Ipe Ma'rue, whose dense, woodsy drawings often feature details of traditional Indonesian village life, has never been perceived as bowing to the demands of mass media. Of course, his work was prominent in children's magazines and books well before manga and Disney commanded such a huge share of the market.

Now an elderly man, Ipe Ma'rue was described by several illustrators and one British Council official as Indonesia's greatest illustrator for children, if a slightly retiring man.

"He doesn't talk to people much anymore and keeps to himself," said Toosye, "So we could not get his work for this exhibition."

Nearly 40 children turned out for a chance to showcase their own illustration skills. After listening to a brief story written for the occasion, the children drew corresponding images.

"I feel happy when I draw. I can express my ideas," said Vincentia Ariani, 8.

Vincentia left the British Council a little happier than usual that day. She and her sister, Mega, were both included among the top five children's illustrators of the event.

Magic Pencil is on display at the British Council until July 31. From Aug. 4 to Aug. 18, the exhibition will be on display in Yogyakarta, at Ndalem Djojokusuman Kompleks Keraton Jogyakarta, Jl. Rotowijayan No. 5; from Sept. 1 to Sept. 31, it will be in Surabaya, at British Council ITS, Third Floor, Jl. Cokroaminoto 12A.

Magic Pencil The British Council Jakarta British Council S. Widjojo Center First Floor Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 71, Central Jakarta Tel: 2524115