“In times when dissimilarities and opposing natures have become more discernable, how do we stay together when surrounded by the ruptures caused by current events?”
Photo by ICAD’s Documentation
The answer sought by the curators and artistic directors behind “Weaving the World”—Diana Nazir (Curator), Amanda Ariawan (Assistant Curator), and Andika Frestian (Artistic Director)—lies somewhere between opposing aspects and points of view. We can definitely discern an attempt at unification, coexistence, and intersection in the act of weaving. Thus, “Weaving the World” provides a vision of integrating various components into a united entity – from intellectual ideas to their physical manifestation.
Staying true to its mission of showcasing creative and cultural works that offer economic value for the city of Jakarta, Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design, supported by the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Department and Jakarta Capital City Government, featured Indonesia’s emerging talents in its Superdesign Show at the Milan Design Week 2023.
The Superdesign Show has become a destination for individuals looking for innovative and cutting-edge materials, and this year’s edition is no exception. The theme for this Superdesign Show, exploring the future of design, is “Inspiration – Innovation – Imagination,” Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design with its ICAD Collective presented aspects that tend to stand apart from each other, such as art and design, craft and technology, softness and hardness, slowness and speed, as one in an appealing space.
Visitors, guests, and press from around the world came to enjoy and admire the installation from 17 Indonesian artists and designers in the “Weaving the World” exhibition, articulated across multiple scales in a striking tangerine pavilion under the Asian R-Evolution area. Contemporary artist Mangmoel responded to the show’s space with his immersive crochet installation. Collaboration also held the key to some of the works, including an art piece by visual artist Ayu Andiani and graphic designer Harry Purwanto, traditional craft-inspired speakers by home decor brands BaNa and TAGA, and Polkaa Goods woven baskets by interior designers Rina Renville & Nuantika. Material company VIRO also colluded in two installative projects with interior designers turned artists ITJUK and KEZIAKARIN. Taking fashion forward were designers and brands who never cease to explore with forms and materials; BYO by Tommy Ambiyo, Iyonono, KaIND, KAIT Handmade, Rinaldy Yunardi, RUEVERSE by Savira Lavinia, and Threadapeutic. Last but not least, furniture lines Djalin and Studio Hendro Hadinata each presented compelling designs that embed the timeless charm of Indonesian craftsmanship in our contemporary lives.
This exhibition was the second Indonesian Pavilion event supported by the Jakarta Capital City Government and the third presence of Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design at the Superdesign Show Milan. “Weaving the World” was held from April 17 to 23, 2023 in Via Tortona 27, Milano, Italy, bringing the beauty and diversity of Indonesian craftmanship to an estimated 65,000 visitors.
