Graduate students from the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program visited the Cemeti Institute for Art and Society as part of a field study aimed at exploring the intersections of history and contemporary art. The trip, led by Dr. Sri Margana, a lecturer in Archaeology and Art History, provided students with an opportunity to delve deeper into Indonesia’s artistic heritage through a modern perspective.
Cemeti Director Ditoyuwono warmly welcomed the group, offering an overview of the institute’s history and its pivotal role in fostering the development of Indonesian visual arts. During a guided tour of the space, Ditoyuwono highlighted the institute’s innovative approach to curating and showcasing art.
The highlight of the visit was an in-depth discussion of the exhibition “1000 Thousand” by renowned artist Ag. Kus Widananto, better known as Jompet. The exhibition draws on Indonesia’s wartime history under Japanese occupation, inspired by Jompet’s personal journey to uncover the fate of his grandfather, who disappeared while serving as a Romusha laborer.
Jompet’s work examines historical narratives surrounding the use of railways for coal distribution during the war effort. He commemorates this period through a unique artistic approach: crafting gamelan instruments from railway iron. By collaborating with a traditional gamelan master, Jompet bridges art and history, paying homage to ancestral memory while embracing Javanese cultural traditions. His work also underscores the critical role of art in preserving collective and cultural memory.
“This visit has broadened our understanding of how art serves as a medium to connect the past with the present,” said one of the students.
The field study not only offered fresh insights into visual arts but also strengthened the students’ connection to Indonesia’s historical narrative. It underscored the potential of art institutions like Cemeti to serve as platforms for education, collaboration, and the cultivation of critical perspectives on history and culture. This field study aligns with the goals of SDG 4 (Quality Education). (MRL)
