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‘Bicara Melalui Kain’: Redefining textile narratives in Indonesia
Researcher and artisan Lusiana Limono was intrigued to find an old baby blanket made up from a patchwork of cloth pieces by her great-grandmother. The discovery led her to deep-dive into the world of textiles.
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Clothing heritage: Textile artist Lusiana Limono stands in front of her old baby blanket during an exhibition at GoetheHaus in Jakarta. The exhibition opened on Nov. 10, 2023, and runs until Dec. 3. (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)
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abrics are frequently taken for granted, a phenomenon stemming from their ready availability and the swift pace of today's fashion trends. In a modern culture that prioritizes speed and functionality, the intricate processes involved in producing textiles are often forgotten.
Consequently, they are increasingly perceived as disposable in a society that places less emphasis on their significance.
An exhibition, titled “Berbicara Melalui Kain” (Speaking through Fabrics), encourages us to rethink these preconceived notions and re-examine the traditional roles and value of textiles.
The exhibition, taking place at GoetheHaus Jakarta until Dec. 3, showcases the research and explorations of Indonesian researcher and textile artisan Lusiana Limono in East Java and East Nusa Tenggara (NTB) from 2019 to 2022. This research is also part of Lusiana’s postgraduate study at the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ).
“Textiles are often seen as subordinate in Indonesia, while they should definitely hold a much more significant position,” Lusiana said during an interview with The Jakarta Post after the opening of her solo exhibition.
The exhibition features approximately 25 fabrics crocheted, dyed and sewn by the researcher herself, as well as communities in East Java and NTB.
“The fabrics go beyond mere aesthetics, bridging the gap between art and daily life,” Ingo Schöningh, head of cultural programs at the Indonesian Goethe Institute, said.
