A Dialogue on Women’s Identity in the NONALOG Exhibition at BAIK ART Jakarta
In art and design, womanhood reflects multiple layers of identity and lived experiences. This is the central theme of the NONALOG exhibition, hosted by BAIK ART Jakarta from September 12 to October 19, 2024. The exhibition showcases the works of nine Indonesian female artists, exploring the meaning of "woman" in various contexts through diverse artistic media.
The word "Nona" is familiar to Indonesians as a term for a young woman. However, in other countries, the word holds different meanings. In Korea, “누나” or “Nuna” is a term used by younger men to refer to their older sisters or female friends. In Greece and Italy, “Nonna” means grandmother. Meanwhile, in Latin, “Nona” translates to the number nine—reflecting the theme of this exhibition as the ninth exhibition in the ninth month. Through this play on meanings, BAIK ART Jakarta features nine female artists whose works dig into and uncover hidden stories, both about themselves and history.
As a contemporary art gallery rooted in Los Angeles, Seoul, and Jakarta, BAIK ART aims to bridge artistic exchanges across different cultures. Founded in Los Angeles in 2014, the gallery focuses on works that explore individual hybridity, globalization, and cultural diaspora. Its expansion to Seoul in 2016 created space for more active artistic exchanges, which continued with the opening of the third location in Jakarta in 2022. BAIK ART is strongly committed to its residency programs with Indonesian art institutions, enriching the dialogue between local artists and the global art scene. In NONALOG, nine female artists from different cultural backgrounds present works that reflect their dialogues with issues close to female identity. The visual artists involved include Ayurika, Candrani Yulis, Cecil Mariani, Dian Suci, Dzikra A.N., Henryette Louise, Maharani Mancanagara, Restu Ratnaningtyas, and Windi Apriani.
Take, for example, Henryette Louise, who uses gypsum printmaking as her primary medium. Over the past three years, Henryette has explored how gypsum can transform, mirroring the ever-evolving nature of culture. The use of this material reflects the constant flux of cultural change as if the artwork itself is continuously developing over time. Meanwhile, Cecil Mariani presents a piece titled “Seduhan Kala” (A Brew of Time), blending printmaking with a tea set. In this work, Cecil arranges three prints alongside five teapots, representing the hidden realities behind everyday rituals. "It’s essentially about tea," Cecil said. "But there’s a lot of reality that has been brewed." The simplicity of tea becomes a metaphor for how life’s realities and underlying meanings can be steeped and absorbed. On the other hand, Dzikra A.N. chooses to interact intuitively with her materials. In her creative process, Dzikra feels as though the materials control her, determining when she should stop or continue. This creates a unique relationship between the artist and her medium, where the creative process becomes a dialogue rather than a unilateral action.
Maharani Mancanagara presents a work inspired by Minangkabau culture, particularly the concept of migration, which reflects adaptability, resilience, and the pursuit of new opportunities. Her work explores how the migration process shapes Minangkabau identity, which has a profound influence on the female perspective. Restu Ratnaningtyas, in her work, raises social issues drawn from real events from the past and present. She touches on changes in individual behavior and social dynamics that occur over time. Meanwhile, Candrani Yulis, through her piece *Blinded by the Light of Faith*, highlights the issue of gender equality in the context of blind interpretations of fiqh, a topic particularly relevant to Muslim women. This exhibition delves into many stories and diverse identities, illustrating the richness of perspectives that women hold. Each work on display not only reflects personal experiences but also offers the audience a space to reflect on the relationship between art and social reality.
NONALOG is a dialogue about how women perceive and interpret themselves within cultural and historical contexts. The works on display do not only tell stories of the present but also unearth hidden memories and histories. The artists in this exhibition demonstrate how art can be a powerful medium for tracing and uncovering deeper meanings. Through NONALOG, BAIK ART not only presents works of art but also provides a space for female artists to experiment, share stories, and create new narratives that challenge traditions. The exhibition is open to the public until October 19, 2024, at BAIK ART Jakarta, offering visitors the chance to appreciate and reflect on these deeply meaningful works.
