When the first edition of Indonesian Contemporary Art & Design (ICAD) opened its doors to public a decade ago, there was nothing else like it in the country.
A pioneer in its own right, ICAD is an exhibition and convention that merges design, art, technology, entertainment and the hospitality industry. When it started in 2009, the event managed to attract 24 exhibitors and 4500 visitors, which turned out to be modest numbers when compared to last year's 50 exhibitors and 145.000 visitors.
This year, on its 10th anniversary, ICAD is celebrating the very reason that has made it possible in the first place: The humans and the power of their creative minds. To do that, ICAD has invited both veteran and new-generation artists whose works represent the theme, "Mind Mapping," well. We picked the five artworks from both generations that you shouldn’t miss:
What is in My Mind - Rinaldy Yunardi
Accessory designer Rinaldy Yunardi might be Indonesia’s biggest fashion export right now. Known for his ridiculously intricate headpieces, his designs have been worn by Madonna and Beyoncé, among many others.
Rinaldy revealed that people around him had been asking him where he got his ideas for his accessories. So when he was asked to exhibit at ICAD, he saw it as a great opportunity to actually stop and think about his own mind-mapping.
What comes out of his contemplation is, as expected, another headpiece so big, that it looks like a chandelier from afar. Mounted to a wall behind it, the headpiece branches out like a tree or the nerves within the brain.
The best part of this work is, it’s interactive. If you put your head inside the headpiece, the bulb on top will light up, symbolizing a “Eureka” moment.
Solidaritas - Dolorosa Sinaga
Sculptor Dolorosa Sinaga completed Solidaritas (Indonesian for “solidarity”) in 2000, but the message that she wanted to convey then still rings true today.
The figures in Solidaritas are all female. Together, they stand hand in hand, in solidarity. They hold their head high, voicing their anger against injustice. Their bodies are long and thin, symbolizing fragility; yet their feet are large and sturdy, reflecting their determination. The sculpture depicts Dolorosa’s fight against oppressors and is a fitting representation of her activism.
Modular Monster - The Mogus
Artist Mulyana Mogus, or also known as the Mogus, became the talk of the 2018 ArtJog with his work, Sea Remember, which was commissioned by the art fair. Mogus, who is known for his crotchet art, knitted his way to the hearts of admirers and collectors alike by recreating an underwater world with nothing but colorful yarns.
Mogus has credited his “Mogus Corp” for being a part of his creative process and helping him complete his installations. That sense of community is the very thing he hopes to convey in his work for ICAD X, Modular Monster. In addition to the piece hanging on one of the walls in the venue (above photo), Mogus has also prepared a space where visitors can make their own knitted “monsters.” “I was thinking about how people can further see the modular system that I always use in creating, feeling knitted textures, having fun, and working in groups,“ Mogus says of his work.
The Pursuit of the Divine - Izal Batubara
One of the highlights of ICAD X is a stunningly detailed artwork by artist Izal Batubara, who participated in the exhibition through the Open Submission process. Titled The Pursuit of the Divine, the work is, according to Izal, a parody of recent events that have been happening in the society.
In a description that accompanies the work, Izal mentions that he’s not talking about a specific event or issue. Even so, he also points out that he includes some figures to symbolize sacred signs that have lately been used by certain groups to enforce their repressive agenda.
Cisaar_Citarum - Tisna Sanjaya
Artist Tisna Sanjaya first started his project to raise awareness on the people near the Citarum River who, despite living in the proximity of the longest river in West Java, lack access to clean water. He followed up the project by exploring Cisaar River, where he was introduced to the process of extracting the river’s spiritual values and also discovered ancient fossils.
The artwork he presents at ICAD X are results of his reflections after his encounters with the environment. Various forms and materials he saw in Citarum, Cisaar and the Cigondewah area make an appearance in the drawings and video performance; the black-and-white paintings depict the Ci, Cai and the Earth’s water that flows inside a human’s body.
Held at grandkemang Hotel, Jakarta, ICAD X will run until November 24.
