Exhibition hopes to scrawl something new

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