Iwan Tirta finds criticism vital to artist's work

Iwan Tirta finds criticism vital to artist's work

Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Art thrives with criticism, without it artists become
lackadaisical and do not produce their best work.

"Criticism from others is what drives artists," said batik
connoisseur Iwan Tirta in a discussion at The Jakarta Post this
week. He added that, unfortunately there is a glaring lack of
professional critics in the country.

Whether for food, fashion, art or literature, there is hardly
anyone these days worthy of Iwan's definition of a professional
critic -- one who can write jabbing critiques subtly with
extensive knowledge of the subject.

"There are a lot of people who write descriptions, but hardly
anyone who actually analyzes," he said, mentioning the late
"Pope" of Indonesian literature H.B. Jassin as one of the great
but bygone critics of literature.

For praise alone does not produce great art, but knowledge-
based criticism from a professional critic will, "which is why
fashion editors are usually greatly feared during fashion shows
and get front row seats," 68-year-old Iwan said.

Constructive criticism forces artists to raise the level of
professionalism in their work, while lack of it means artists
might get away with sloppy stagework, costumes and public
relations.

"Indonesian artists nowadays have so little professionalism,"
Iwan remarked, adding that one of their biggest mistakes was to
belittle the importance of professional management in the
presentation of their work.

"They think they can do it alone. They don't want professional
designers to do their costumes, or other professionals. It's a
one-man show all the way, that's the trouble," he said, as a
result, artists usually fail to show their best work to the
audience. "Ego still plays a major role here".

According to Iwan, gyrating queen Inul Daratista was an
example of an artist who is striving to be professional by
employing consultants for her shows.

"She is willing to shift to a more respectable level, her
clothes now are more polite. She knows that she cannot exist ad
infinitum, she must plan what's next. Especially since pop
culture has such a short lifespan," he said, explaining that one
of the reasons singer Madonna was so successful was because she
continues to reinvent her image.

The role of professional public relations and image builders
are still largely overlooked by Indonesians today, whether in the
art world or in politics.

"Before Roger Moore went to Indonesia (in his capacity as
Unicef's Goodwill Ambassador in 2001) his PR company approached
me to get some consultation about his wardrobe. They asked us how
we would do it, the kind of clothes needed for his stay here,"
Iwan said.

Even the East Timor issue was actually won by public
relations, according to Iwan, explaining that the slow response
towards press coverage on East Timor was partly responsible for
Indonesia lacking international support on the issue.

It is the overall packaging that attracts other people to
appreciate the presentation, he said, citing the slogans
"Malaysia truly Asia" with hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh,
"Singapore instant Asia", and "New Asia" as examples of
attractive packaging.

"Of course their promotional budgets are very large compared
to Indonesia's," Iwan remarked.

Only when Indonesian artists appreciate the value of
professional consultants, can their art be lifted to an
international level.