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‘Girls Out Loud’: A message about feminism from Valeriana Grajales
Aside from feminism, Grajales' artworks also explore Indonesia’s tropical climate, which is similar to Colombia’s.
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Visitors chat in front of Valeriana Grajales' artworks at the 'Girls Out Loud' exhibition at Grobak Art Kos at Hysteria art space in Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday, May 18. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)
V
aleriana Grajales, a Colombian artist and feminist activist, has expressed her criticism of violence against women in an exhibition titled "Girls Out Loud". Taking place at Grobak Art Kos at Hysteria art space in Semarang, Central Java, the exhibition will be held until May 31.
“I believe if we fight for women’s rights, we’ll fight for the rights of the whole of humanity,” Grajales told The Jakarta Post on Saturday, May 18.
Grajales is currently participating in the Indonesian government’s Darmasiswa scholarship program and has stayed in Semarang for eight months to learn about Indonesian culture, including batik. She is displaying her batik works, drawings and images printed on fabric at the exhibition. Aside from feminism, Grajales' artworks also explore Indonesia’s tropical climate, which is similar to Colombia’s.
Visitors can watch a video of Grajales as she paints murals in public spaces, including one in Nongkosawit district in Semarang.
Rohmad, a resident of Nongkosawit district who came to the exhibition, said the locals were fond of her works there. “Her presence can encourage those of us that are conservative to discover new insights,” Rohmad said.
Read also: ‘My body is not mine’: Indonesia Without Feminists group starts online campaign
One of Grajales’ artworks, I protect you, You protect me, is a drawing of a woman nestled inside a red circle that was digitally printed onto sublimated silk fabric. Through the artwork, she said she hoped people would be encouraged to protect women because women would protect them in return.
Her feminist perspective started to develop after witnessing the challenges women face in her country. Grajales also saw inequality between women and men during her travels. “There are many problems related to women, but I think violence against women is the most serious [issue],” she said.
Meanwhile, the curator of the exhibition, Purna Cipta Nugraha, expressed hope the showcase could help develop the art scene, inspire other young female artists in Semarang and foster a discussion about Grajales’ feminist perspectives. “As far as I know, artists in Semarang barely discuss feminism, perhaps they’re afraid it will go against the norm,” Purna said.
Girls Out Loud is being held at Hysteria art space, one of the few art spaces in Semarang. It is hoped the space will boost the enthusiasm of local artists and help develop the community. (wir/mut)
