Forced to keep its doors shut during the pandemic, the museum has come up with a way to unleash art lovers’ creativity by launching a series of at-home workshop kits called MACAN Home Kits: Artists Series.

As its aim is to bring the workshop experience to people’s own abode, the first kit allows participants to learn new art skills, inspired by the works of Indonesian visual artists Citra Sasmita, Ruth Marbun and Agam Dwi Nurcahyo (Magafaka), along with pottery collective Kandura Studio.

The kit is called “Painting with Feelings by Citra Sasmita”, where she will guide participants in exploring their innermost emotions and feelings and expressing them through painting.

Hailing from Bali, Citra’s works often focus on deconstructing the myths and misconceptions of Balinese art and culture, with an interest in questioning the place of women in the social hierarchy.

Her works have been exhibited both at home and abroad, such as at the Jogja Biennale XV in 2019 and in a solo exhibition titled “Ode to the Sun” at Yeo Workshop in Singapore earlier this year. She also won the Gold Award at the UOB Painting of the Year 2017 event for her work Old Mountain and Imaginary Pillars.

Included in her kit are seven Tarot-sized cards printed with inspirational words and visuals, a painting canvas, a set of paint brushes, an acrylic paint palette and a link to a video tutorial by Citra.

Perhaps the most enticing part of the kit is the chance to join a virtual group consultation with the artist herself, allowing participants to discuss their experience and receive feedback on their creations.

“In a time where everything happens so quickly, we forget or intentionally bury many things in our minds. In this MACAN Home Kit, I encourage people to explore personal feelings and memories as a way to start a new creation – a new beginning for each maker,” Citra said in a statement.

Future kits from the series will feature a larger variety of activities, ranging from creating an artistic time capsule with Ruth Marbun to learning to make homewares and having them finalized at Kandura’s workshops.

The kits are produced in partnership with Semarang-based acrylic paint specialist Tesla Paints.

Tesla Paints CEO Anthony Sukanto said the firm’s passion was to make acrylic paint accessible to all artists, providing art supplies to professionals and hobbyists alike. 

“The collaboration with Museum MACAN embodies our vision to give access to art lovers across Indonesia with quality supplies, so they may [unleash] their inner artist or take a break from the intense daily routines with art.”

Also in the pipeline is the MACAN Home Kit: Education Series, aimed at young children and teenagers along with their teachers or parents.

Priced at Rp 475,000 (US$32.55) each, the kits can be purchased via the museum’s website or through e-commerce platform Tokopedia, with MACAN Society members eligible for a 10 percent discount through the former.

The kits will allow further exploration of different works that have been exhibited at the museum, all the while learning various art techniques, including printmaking, paper coloring, abstract composition and collage-making.

Museum MACAN head of education and public programs Aprina Murwanti said the MACAN Home Kit was borne from the need for people to exercise their creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We hope to present a meaningful experience for workshop participants – from children to adults, who will not only gain new skills, but learn about artistic processes and connect directly with artists,” she said.

“The ability to start these projects within your own time and from the comfort of your own home will be a great benefit for many.” (ste)

Popular

Gerindra politician says bigger cabinet would benefit Indonesia

Asia shares rise on rate cut bets; RBA seen turning hawkish

PDI-P considering Anies, Ahok as Jakarta gubernatorial candidates