PASAR
(Traditional Market)
By Tris
A traditional market is not merely a meeting place between the buyer and the seller. It is also an arena for social interactions. The crowded atmosphere, sometimes muddy ground, and a specific aroma that is unique to the place, all of these are familiar to frequent traditional market-goers. Sellers would be pitching their wares to all that pass through, while interested buyers scan their eyes upon the diverse items on display. Next, they would bargain on the price until an agreement is reached. This practice is slowly but steadily disappearing with the changing of the times. People prefer the practicality of buying what they need from their smartphones, sacrificing the social interactions that traditional markets provide in the process. The spirit of the traditional market's lively community is captured in this painting by Tris. It serves as a reminder for us of how fun it is to interact with one another without our digital devices.
PERAHU DI PANTAI
By Gultom
This painting by Gultom is a portrait of a shore with a ship resting upon it. One can still find this kind of view in many places in Indonesia. Other than being known as an agrarian country, Indonesia is also recognized for its maritime prowess. As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia has about 17,000 islands and 100.000 km of shorelines. For those living by the sea, fishing is their main source of income. The fishermen are joined by ship makers in livening up the Indonesian seas. Indonesian vessels are known to be sturdy and strong. Take, for example, the Pinisi. According to the La Galigo manuscript, the vessel, originating from Bugis, Sulawesi, was first crafted in the 14th Century. What sets it apart from others of its kind is the fact that Pinisi ships forgo the use of glue and nails in their constructions. Instead, the people of Bugis use fitted pegs of wood to hold the ship together.
BUNGA MAWAR MERAH JAMBU (Pink Rose)
By Loan Utomo
The earth and its contents have so many wondrous and dazzling things. The mountains, the skies, the beaches and the rivers are just a few representations of earth's beauty. We often feel the urge of capturing it to our memories, sometimes by way of painting. Many Indonesian artists go down this pathway and created numerous works of art to celebrate the allure of earth. One among them is this painting by Loan Utomo titled "Pink Rose." Pink roses have long been in existence since approximately 35 million years ago. You can find a fossilised pink rose in Florissant, Colorado. Humankind started cultivating the flower in 500 BC, giving birth to over 100 different types of roses that come in a diversity of shapes and colours--depending on the climate. Every kind of roses represents its own meanings. Red roses symbolise desire and love, while pink roses embody love's beginning.